Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi hints at joining political party 

At a time when speculations are rife about Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi’s next move, the legislator’s statement on Sunday increased the political heat in Odisha by several notches. 

Panigrahi, who is known for his vituperative attacks on the leaders of the ruling BJD following his expulsion, took part in an inaugural festival of a fair at Marthaput in his Assembly constituency. 

On this occasion, journalists asked him about his joining a political party. In his reply, he said he would reveal the name of the party in the Odia month of ‘Magha’ (January/February). 

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This suggests he has already decided to throw in his lot with a political party. 

“Let the Odia month of ‘Pusha’ pass by and ‘Magha’ come and let me join the party first. I will reveal the name of the party in the month of ‘Magha’,” said Panigrahi. 

Earlier on November 14, BJP's Odisha unit president, Manmohan Samal had cleared the air surrounding the ongoing speculations that Panigrahi might join the saffron party.

He said, “BJP’s door is open for all. The party will consider and decide who will join BJP.”