Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) got a jolt as Khallikote’s former MLA Purna Chandra Sethy resigned from the party on Monday.
In a letter to party president Naveen Patnaik, the two-time legislator said that he is resigning from Biju Janata Dal primary membership and as a member of the State Council.
“With heavy heart, I am submitting my resignation herewith with immediate effect. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to serve under you as well as under the people of Odisha,” read Sethy's etter.
When contacted, Sethy said, “In 2009 and 2014 my performance was better. I was dropped in 2019 due to some reasons. Then I was assured that I would be given an opportunity in 2024. I have resigned after feeling sidelined in the party.”
Sethy contested from the Khallikote seat on a BJD ticket in 2009 and 2014 and was voted to power.