Bhubaneswar: Suspended Congress Dhenkanal district president and ex-MLA, Sudhir Samal joined the ruling Biju Janta Dal (BJD) on Sunday.
Sudhir and his 2,000 supporters were inducted into BJD at a special event organised at Naveen Nivas, the official residence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here today.
Earlier, Sudhir and secretary of its women’s wing Namita Nayak were expelled by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) for indulging in anti-party activities.
“Glad that more than 2,000 leaders and workers of Congress under leadership of ex-MLA Sudhir Samal have joined BJD today. This will strengthen the party,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
In his reaction, Sudhir Samal said that he chose to join BJD as several workers; leaders were dissatisfied over the infighting in Congress party.
Sudhir further state that he was also impressed by the functioning of the BJD under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
“I had no differences with any leaders and due to infighting in Congress, several leaders, elected panchayat representatives have joined BJD today,” said Sudhir.