Former BJD Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Mohanta joins BJP

A day after resigning from the Rajya Sabha and the primary membership of Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Mamata Mohanta, a prominent leader of the Kudumi community in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj, joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday in presence of senior party leaders in New Delhi.

Mohanta embraced the saffron party in the presence of BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh, Odisha in-charge Bijay Pal Singh Tomar, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Berhampur MP Pradeep Panigrahi and other senior party leaders in a special event organised at party headquarters in New Delhi  

After joining the BJP, Mohanta said, “I resigned from the Rajya Sabha and BJD yesterday after I felt that I am unable to work towards the aim of my life which is serving people and working for their welfare. So I decided to join the BJP which is extensively working for the welfare of the people.”

“Whatever responsibilities I will be given, I will do it with honesty and dignity,” Mohanta added.

Asked if there was any conspiracy behind her leaving the conch party, Mohanta said, “This is my personal decision and there is no conspiracy. The decision to quit BJD came after I felt that I was not getting an opportunity to serve the people and I was being neglected.” 

Commenting on Mohanta joining the saffron party, Berhampur MP Pradeep Panigrahi said, “While BJP is rising, BJD is on a downfall.”

Meanwhile, BJD leader Sarojini Hembram has accused Mohanta of ditching the Kudumi community by joining the BJP.

“Mamata Mohanta has betrayed the Kudumi community and the residents of Mayurbhanj by joining the BJP to protect her political interests. The people of Mayurbhanj will give a befitting reply to Mohanta in the coming days,” said Hembram.