In yet another jolt to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), former Minister and Nimapara MLA Samir Ranjan Dash on Sunday parted ways with the ruling party when the entire state is in the middle of crucial 2024 elections.
The three-time MLA Dash was reportedly unhappy after he was denied a ticket to contest the 2024 elections.
In a video statement, Dash said that he was working for the BJD as a disciplined worker since 2006.
"The state leadership has lost faith on me and the organisation at Nimapara and Gop blocks. Hence, it will not be appropriate to remain in the party under such circumstances. Today, I have resigned from the primary membership of the BJD and sent my resignation letter to the party supremo Naveen Patnaik," said Dash.
It is pertinent to mention here that three sitting MLAs including Samir Dash were denied tickets by BJD while announcing its fifth list of candidates on April 17, 2024.
The BJD had nominated BJP turncoat Dilip Nayak in place of Dash.
Though Dash had urged BJD to reconsider the decision and even showed strength by organising a massive rally and congregation, the party did change its stand.
Not only Dash, several BJD leaders including MLAs had quit BJD after they were denied tickets by the party. A lot of them joined the BJP and other parties.
It is said that Dash may join the BJP and could be a game changer and spoil BJD plans in the upcoming polls.