Party falls apart: Former Union minister to quit Congress & join BJD?

Berhampur: Talks are doing rounds about former Union minister Chandrasekhar Sahu and senior leaders Bikram Panda & Bhagwan Gantayat leaving Congress and joining BJD after the three leaders today held a meeting with grassroots-level workers of their respective areas and sought opinion on their decision to quit.

"Today we held discussions on what could be done in the current scheme of things. Our supporters and grassroots workers told us that they will support us in whatever decisions we take," said Chandrasekhar Sahu.

Responding to the development, Senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati said "If anyone  wants to leave the party, they can leave; what can we do. Seems like they were waiting for AICC's call on PCC leadership; and took the decision after failing to get any clarity."

Though the three leaders were tight-lipped about joining BJD, the ruling-party's MP from Berhampur, Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik said that the three leaders will join the party during CM Naveen's visit to Berhampur on April 4.

"Chandrasekhar Sahu & Bikram Panda will join BJD during CM & party president Naveen Patnaik's visit to Berhampur on April 4," said Chyau Patnaik.