In a major jolt to Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Rayagada district, senior leader and former MP N. Bhaskar Rao and former minister Lal Bihari Himirika tendered their resignation from the primary membership of the party to form a new political organization, the Biju Swabhiman Manch (BSM.
On Tuesday, apart from Himirika and Rao, several senior leaders and party workers also resigned from the opposition BJD.
Meawhile, the new political party, named after the late Odisha stalwart Biju Patnaik, saw several local BJD members join, including former Rayagada Zilla Parishad chairman Gangadhar Puala.
In his resignation letter to party president Naveen Patnaik, Rao wrote, “I don’t have any kind of complaints against any individual for any reason. With a heavy heart, I submit my resignation from the Biju Janata Dal, concluding my active political journey within the party.
“I have rendered my political responsibilities and Political life in “BIJU PARIWAR” and now I am ending my political journey in “BIJU PARIWAR,” Rao added.
Rao stated that he had joined the ‘Biju Pariwar’ and active politics in 1974 following the invitation of legendary Biju Patnaik.
During a press conference held in Rayagada, Rao also announced the launch ‘Biju Swabhiman Manch’, is aimed at working for the welfare of the people of Rayagada district.
He, however, denied any political motives behind the initiative, describing ‘Biju Swabhiman Manch’ as a purely social platform.
As per reports, Rao’s move was likely prompted by the BJD’s decision to appoint former minister Jagannath Saraka, a defeated leader, as the new district president of BJD in Rayagada. “This has hurt the sentiments of party workers. We are not against Naveen Patnaik, and have been loyal soldiers of the party all along,” Rao said.
Himirika, who along with several others also resigned from the primary membership of the party, in a letter to Patnaik wrote, “I, Lal Bihari Himirika, humbly submit my resignation from party responsibilities. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve under your leadership and the legacy of Late Biju Patnaik.”
“As a dedicated party worker, I’ve strived to serve with sincerity and loyalty. However, at 78, I feel I’m no longer able to fulfill party responsibilities satisfactorily,” wrote the ex-Minister in the letter to the ailing BJD supremo.
Meanwhile, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty downplayed the resignations, stating at a press conference that Rao and Himirika’s departure will have no impact on the party. “The BJD is strong under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership,” he asserted.
The BJD spokesperson claimed that while the party had given Rao “considerable importance,” he chose to leave when the party was out of power.
