Exodus of leaders from different parties continues in Odisha ahead of the 2024 General Elections. In the process, former Odisha Minister and senior Congress leader Ganeswar Behera resigned from the primary membership of the grand old party on Tuesday.
Behera informed about the development through a post on his X (earlier known as Twitter) handle.
The senior Congress leader tendered his resignation letter to Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Sarat Pattanayak. He expressed gratitude to the party for giving him the chance to serve the people of Odisha, both as an MLA and a dedicated Congress worker.
“I have resigned from the primary membership of Congress. I request you to accept my resignation. I am expressing my gratitude to Congress through you as the party has given me the chance to serve the people of Odisha, both as an MLA and a dedicated Congress worker,” read the letter written by Behera to the PCC chief.
Speculations are rife that Ganeswar Behera may join the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the ruling party may consider his name for Kendrapara Assembly constituency.
In 2029, Behera lost to BJD by a whisker while contesting from Kendrapara Assembly seat. He had won from Patamundai in 1985 and 1995.
“I left Congress as 2024 General Election is very much important for me and I have to win the election. I was in doubt that I might not win the election by contesting on a Congress ticket. I have made the decision by taking suggestions from others. Hence, I have no doubt over the decision,” said Behera.
“Now I will raise my voice in a different manner about different issues of Kendrapara. I might have left the party, but I have not left the issues pertaining to the development of Kendrapara. I will raise my voice with more power if I manage to win the election with the blessings of people,” he added.