Rumour mills are abuzz after a picture of BJP leader Bijoy Mohaptra with Bhratiya
Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader went viral on social media.
Though the location of the meeting is still unknown, the BRS leader in the picture with Mohapatra has been identified as Rajesh Putra, the Odisha State Working Committee member of the newly-formed party.
Confirming the meeting, Mohapatra said, “Yes, a BRS leader met me recently. Though I can’t recall his name, but the reports are true.”
Mohapatra however, termed speculations of him joining the BRS as false and unfounded. “A lot of leaders meet me including those from the BJD, BJP and Congress. Elections are nearing, so it is natural for them to meet me. There is absolutely no harm in it,” he said.
Mohapatra reiterated, “I had told this before and telling this again today that the 2024 elections will be decisive.”
With several veteran political leaders including former Odisha Chief Minister Giridhar Gamang joining the BRS, the Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrashekar Rao-led party is claiming to find a foothold in the State.
Apart from Giridhar Gamang, his son Shishir Gamang and senior leader Jayaram Pangi recently quit BJP and joined hands with BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao. Besides, former BJD MLA Nabin Nanda and MP Ramchandra Hansda have also joined the party.
Though major political parties in Odisha claim that the entry of BRS will not affect the political equation, the exodus of discontent and rebel leaders has put them in a spot of bother.
(Reported By Harihar Chand, OTV)