BJP MLA candidate flip-flops, returns to BJD ahead of polls

Bhubaneswar: In a dramatic turn of events, BJP’s candidate from Anandapur Assembly constituency, Bhagirathi Sethi today joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) after resigning from the saffron party.

It is pertinent to mention that Sethi had won from Anandapur seat in 2009 on a BJD ticket. However, he quit BJD after the party replaced him with Mayadhar Jena in 2014.

“I am glad that Bhagirathi Sethi has returned to the Biju Janata Dal and his joining will strengthen the party,” said BJD president and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

“After being made a candidate, I was not feeling secure due to infighting in BJP. Hence, I joined BJD today which is a homecoming for me,” said Sethi.

Responding to the developments, BJP State vice-president Samir Mohanty questioned on what grounds the ruling party inducted Bhagirathi Sethi into the party fold.

“People of Anandapur will never accept Sethi as their leader," said Mohanty alleging further that 3Ps-Prabhakaran, Patnaik & Pandian have hatched plan to loot mines in Odisha.