Ex-MLA Naik quits Congress

In an embarrassment for the OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik, former MLA of Bhawanipatna Dushmant Naik has resigned from the party. His resignation letter to the OPCC president cited “personal reasons” for his decision. But he would reportedly join the BJD as he said that his supporters have suggested him to join the ruling party for overall development of his constituency.

Earlier, Naik had alleged that he was neglected and humiliated by some senior leaders in the Congress. He had even said that he was unhappy over party affairs.

Naik, who was a staunch supporter of Lulu Mohapatra, was allegedly sidelined in the party after the latter’s death.