Former Minister Balabhadra Majhi joins Congress after quitting BJD

After quitting the ruling Biju Janata Party (BJD) recently, senior leader and former minister Balabhadra Majhi on Wednesday joined the Congress party.

The five-time MLA, Majhi joined the Congress camp at a function held at Bhawanipatna today. Congress’ Odisha-in-charge Ajoy Kumar, PCC President Sarat Pattanayak, and other senior leaders of the party were present on the occasion.

Majhi was first elected to the Odisha Assembly from Narla in 1990 on a Janata Dal ticket. He was re-elected from Narla in 1995 and later from Lanjigarh seat in 2000, 2004 and 2014.

In his reaction, Majhi said, “I am a tribal leader. I was part of the team when the party (BJD) was formed. I could not meet my own leader and an officer’s permission was needed to meet the CM. As I did not get the due respect, I had to quit BJD.”

Ahead of the crucial 2024 elections, the Congress has revoked the suspension of senior leaders Mohammed Moquim and Chiranjib Biswal. The expulsion of former legislator Krushna Chandra Sagaria has also been withdrawn by the party.