Bhubaneswar: After remaining silent for over one and half months since he was suspended from BJD, former MP Jayaram Pangi along with hundreds of his supporters today joined BJP in presence of union minister Dharmendra Pradhan here at BJP State headquarters.
Senior leaders Giridhar Gamang and Biswa Bhushan Harichandan were present among others during the formal announcement about his joining.
"Respecting the party and its leaders, I joined BJP today. I want make it clear that I have not set any terms and conditions before joining. It is the party only, which can decide my position", Pangi addressed a press meet.
Coming down heavily on BJD, Pangi said the ruling party is doing against the ideology of Biju Babu. "BJD is doing exactly the opposite of what Biju Babu dreamt about Odisha. As a tribal, I treated Naveen Babu as my leader", he added.
The Koraput strongman further stated -"I was a disciplined member of BJD. The party did not take 40 seconds to spoil my efforts of 40 years to oust me".
His joining will boost the party organisation in tribal dominated areas, especially Koraput, said Jual Oram, union minister for Tribal Affairs.
On the other hand, BJD said Pangi's move would not affected the part. "His joining will not make any difference to BJD. Many tribal leaders have joined us recently. Even when he (Pangi) was with BJD, he worked for other parties", BJD spokesman Rabi Nanda said.
A former Koraput district president of BJD, Pangi was suspended by party supremo Naveen Patnaik for allegedly indulging in anti party activities.
The action on the tribal leader, also a former Minister, came in the wake of a revolt in the recently concluded election to the post of Koraput Zilla Parishad Chairman.