Bhubaneswar: Former Congress MLA Dusmanta Naik on Friday joined the ruling-BJD in presence of party president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar.
Naik, the ex-MLA of Bhawanipatna Assembly Constituency resigned from Congress on July 11 and joined the BJD today with some of his supporters.
"I discussed with everyone from ward to samiti members of my region about joining BJD. We decided to join due to the image and charisma of CM Naveen Patnaik," said Naik.
"I welcome Dusmanta Naik and many leaders and workers from Kalahandi district who have joined the BJD today," said the CM, adding that their joining will strengthen the party.
Speaking on the occasion, BJD MLA from Bhawanipatna, Anam Naik said "As per the instructions from the party president, we will work dedicatedly for the development of the party."