Ex deputy Speaker of Odisha Assembly joins BJD

Bhubaneswar: BJP leader and former deputy Speaker of Odisha Assembly Ramachandra Panda on Thursday joined Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Panda met BJD supremo and chief minister Naveen Patnaik at his residence today and announced about his joining.

Talking to newsmen on the occasion, chief minister Naveen Patnaik, said, “I am delighted that BJP leader Ramachandra Panda has joined the BJD. I welcome him to our party. He will prove to be a tremendous asset to the party.”

After joining BJD, Panda said, “I was feeling uncomfortable in the saffron party since last one year. The persons who were involved in anti-party activities during election are now being given the leadership charges.”

BJD vice-president Surya Narayan Patra and Higher Education Minister Pradeep Panigrahi were present on the occasion.