Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik joined Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) here on Wednesday.
He joined the party in presence of Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik, who said he will be a "tremendous asset".
"I joined the party as the BJD worker. I was away from Odisha since my childhood. Even I joined the IPS in different cadre. Joining the BJD has given me an opportunity to return my native place and Odisha," said the retired 1979 batch Indian Police Sevice officer.
"I joined the party as a worker and will give my best to perform the best in any work I am assigned by the party," he added.
The Odisha-born IPS officer, who was the 36th Police Commissioner of Mumbai, retired on September 30, 2015 holding various posts in Maharashtra Police spanning over 36 years of service.
He has received the Indian Police Medal for meritorious service in 1994 and President's Police Medal for distinguished service in 2003.
--IANS
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