Ex-BJD MP Baijayant Panda joins BJP ahead of Odisha polls
Surendra Singh | TNN | Updated: Mar 5, 2019, 05:38 ISTHighlights
- Former BJD MP Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda joined BJP on Monday, giving a boost to the party in Odisha where it is looking to improve its tally in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
- Panda, who runs a media business in the state, was a leading parliamentarian of CM Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal before he fell out with the leadership.
Baijayant Panda with BJP president Amit Shah. (AP)NEW DELHI: Former BJD MP Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda joined BJP on Monday, giving a boost to the party in Odisha where it is looking to improve its tally in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Assembly polls are due in Odisha along with the parliamentary elections and BJP hopes Panda’s presence will improve its prospects. Panda met BJP chief Amit Shah and joined the party at its office in the national capital.
Panda, who runs a media business in the state, was a leading parliamentarian of CM Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal before he fell out with the leadership.
Amid his perceived proximity to the saffron camp, BJD suspended him last year for “anti-party” activities. He resigned from BJD and Lok Sabha, where he represented Kendrapara constituency twice.
BJD had accused him of “anti-party activities” to justify his suspension. It later alleged he was involved in money laundering as it sought a probe. Panda has denied the charge.
Odisha has 21 parliamentary constituencies and BJD won 20 of them in 2014. BJP has identified Odisha as one of the priority states ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Assembly polls are due in Odisha along with the parliamentary elections and BJP hopes Panda’s presence will improve its prospects. Panda met BJP chief Amit Shah and joined the party at its office in the national capital.
Panda, who runs a media business in the state, was a leading parliamentarian of CM Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal before he fell out with the leadership.
Amid his perceived proximity to the saffron camp, BJD suspended him last year for “anti-party” activities. He resigned from BJD and Lok Sabha, where he represented Kendrapara constituency twice.
BJD had accused him of “anti-party activities” to justify his suspension. It later alleged he was involved in money laundering as it sought a probe. Panda has denied the charge.
Odisha has 21 parliamentary constituencies and BJD won 20 of them in 2014. BJP has identified Odisha as one of the priority states ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
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