Former Khurda MLA Jitu Mitra returns to BJD

Bhubaneswar: Former Khurda MLA and BJP leader Jyotirindra Nath Mitra today 'rejoined' the BJD at Naveen Niwas in presence of party supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The two-time MLA, popularly known as Jitu Mitra, had quit the BJD in 2014 after being denied a party ticket. He then switched over to the BJP and contested the Assembly elections unsuccessfully, they said.

Mitra was earlier elected to the 12th Assembly as an independent candidate and later on a BJD ticket. "This is like homecoming for me. I will work along with the sitting MLA Rajendra Sahu to strengthen the BJD," said Mitra.

On Mitra's return to the BJD, CM Naveen said, "I am glad that Jitu Mitra returned to the party. I welcome him and his supporters to the party. His joining will strengthen the BJD."

In September last year, a dowry harassment case was lodged against Mitra. His daughter-in-law had lodged the complaint alleging that she was harassed for dowry.