New Delhi, May 26 (BNP): In a significant political development in Odisha, former BJD Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray formally joined the BJP in New Delhi on Tuesday, a day after resigning from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), marking yet another high-profile exit from the regional party.
Samantaray joined the Bharatiya Janata Party at its national headquarters in the presence of senior leaders, signalling a fresh political realignment in Odisha after the BJP’s rise to power in the state in 2024.
Soon after joining the saffron party, Samantaray said he was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s vision for a developed India. He stated that Modi’s leadership, dedication and developmental agenda motivated his decision to join the party.
The veteran politician also said he intends to contribute to developmental work in Odisha through the BJP and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for welcoming him into a party working towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat”.
Samantaray’s exit adds to the growing political churn within the BJD led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. With his departure, he becomes the third former BJD Rajya Sabha MP to part ways with the regional outfit, indicating continuing shifts in Odisha’s political landscape.
A prominent political face from coastal Odisha, Samantaray had long been associated with the BJD and played an active role in parliamentary politics. Political observers believe his induction could strengthen the BJP’s organisational outreach in the state as parties prepare for future electoral battles.
The BJD had not issued an official response to Samantaray’s decision till the filing of this report.