In a significant setback for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), senior party leader and former Lok Sabha MP Rabindra Kumar Jena resigned from the regional party’s primary membership on Tuesday.
In a letter to BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, Jena cited personal reasons for tendering his resignation.
“For many years, I have remained a disciplined member of the party, strengthened its organisation while serving the people of Balasore. However, due to certain personal reasons and circumstances, I have taken the difficult decision to part ways with the party,” stated Jena.
The veteran politician reflected on his long association with the party as a memorable journey, extending his gratitude to the state leadership, his colleagues, and the dedicated party workers of Balasore for their cooperation and the opportunities provided to him.
“I sincerely express my deep gratitude to the state leadership, my colleagues, and all the party workers of Balasore district for the cooperation, respect, and opportunities I have received during this period. Finally, I humbly request you to kindly accept my resignation and relieve me immediately from all responsibilities of the party,” added Jena in the letter to Patnaik.
A successful businessman by profession, Jena was previously elected to the Lok Sabha from the Balasore constituency in 2014, though he narrowly lost the seat to the BJP’s Pratap Chandra Sarangi in 2019.
Speculation regarding his next move is intense, with many anticipating that Jena will formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the coming days.
Reacting to the move, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty claimed the resignation was prompted by fear of CBI action related to the multi-crore chit fund scam. He further accused the ruling BJP of constantly threatening Jena with CBI action in the chit fund scam.
The timing of Jena’s resignation is particularly critical as the Rajya Sabha elections approach. Since Jena’s wife, Subasini Jena, serves as the BJD MLA for Basta, political analysts suggest her stance could be a deciding factor in the high-stakes contest for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat.
