Dhenkanal Congress chief suspended, to join BJD

Bhubaneswar:  Acting tough on two of its leaders, the Odisha unit of Congress today suspended Dhenkanal district president Sudhir Samal and secretary of its women's wing Namita Nayak for indulging in anti-party activities.

Both have been suspended for six years, PCC spokesperson Saugat Mohanty said.

Samal, a former legislator of Congress from Dhenkanal, has decided to join BJD. "I just heard about my suspension, but have not received any official letter. However, I have already tendered my resignation before suspension. I will join BJD tomorrow at 10 am at Naveen Niwas", Samal told OTV over phone.

"I and my supporters have been lured by the ideology of chief minister Naveen Patnaik after being disgruntled with the Congress activities. It prompted me to quit Congress and join the ruling party", he added.

In a similar development, BJD also initiated same action against Nuapara district president Prasanna Padhi and Zilla Parishad member Bhanupratap Majhi. Both were suspended by party supremo and chief minister Naveen Patnaik for their involvement in anti-party activities.