BJD suffers another blow as ex-minister Prafulla Samal’s son quits party

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha on Wednesday faced a significant setback after Prayaskanti Samal, the son of ex-minister Prafulla Samal, resigned from the party today. Prayaskanti, who once held the position of chairman of the Bhadrak Municipality in 2003 and also held the position of State Secretary within the BJD, opted to leave the party, citing personal reasons.

“This is my personal reason. Three members of my family are currently in politics. So, I decided to step down from my position. I have not informed my father yet,” Samal told media persons. 

A Legacy Interrupted

Prayaskanti's departure creates a notable void within the party ranks. Despite his resignation, he has not disclosed plans to affiliate with any other political entity, leaving speculation rife within the regional political domain.

His departure could potentially impact the dynamics among local political groups. He conveyed his decision to step down from his role as a primary member of the BJD, a move that may have implications for the party's influence and strategy in Odisha's Bhadrak district. 

Political Implications:

This development comes amid a period of introspection for the BJD, as it continues to navigate its political strategy ahead of the next elections.

As the political landscape in Odisha remains dynamic, the resignation of a figure tied to a significant political legacy raises questions about future leadership and party allegiance in Bhadrak. Analysts predict that this could trigger a re-evaluation of strategies among the region's political players.