Amar Patnaik joins BJP: Exit of strategist seen as major blow to BJD

Senior politician Amar Patnaik joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, delivering a significant setback to his former party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). His move comes while BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik was campaigning in Nuapada, highlighting the timing and political impact of the switchover.

Also Read: Former BJD MP Amar Patnaik joins BJP, says inspired by PM Modi’s vision for ‘New India’

Amar was welcomed by senior BJP leaders, including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, state President Manmohan Samal, state in-charge Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, and others.

It is said that BJP leadership in New Delhi believe Amar to be a major asset for the party, given his expertise in social media and electoral strategy making.

During his tenure with the BJD, Amar played a key role in shaping the party’s social media campaigns and election slogans, including preparations for the 2019 General Elections. Reports indicate that the BJD would struggle to replace him after his exit, losing out to other highly educated, experienced political strategists.

Additionally, Amar was involved in investigating financial irregularities in the previous BJD-led government, including the Bihar cattle-feed scam, a role that could now benefit BJP’s political and legal strategy.

Party insiders say Amar’s experience in exposing past financial scandals could strengthen BJP’s position in Odisha ahead of the upcoming elections.

Speaking on the occasion, Amar Patnaik described the move as a life-changing moment in his political journey. “I left my job eight years ago to serve the people of Odisha directly. I worked hard in the Rajya Sabha to raise their issues. Now I feel it is time to contribute to nation-building,” he said.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as his inspiration, Amar said, “Whenever I listened to Modi Ji’s speeches in Parliament, I was deeply moved. His commitment to India’s progress and his vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 inspired me greatly. Under his leadership, India has earned a place of pride in the world.”