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

In a significant political realignment ahead of the upcoming Nuapada by-elections, former BJD Rajya Sabha MP and economist Amar Patnaik formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday in Bhubaneswar.

He was welcomed into the party by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, and the party’s Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar in the presence of senior leaders and supporters.

Inspired By PM Modi, Says Amar

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, Patnaik 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 a new India by 2047 inspire me greatly. Under his leadership, India has earned a place of pride in the world.”

He added that he chose the BJP because “no other party has a meaningful role in building the nation today.” Patnaik pledged to dedicate himself fully to whatever responsibility the party assigns, saying, “I am honoured to join the BJP. I take this as a pledge to contribute to nation-building and to support Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s vision for Odisha.”

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CM Mohan Majhi, State Leaders Welcome Him

Welcoming the former MP, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said Patnaik had “freed” himself from an atmosphere of “political suffocation” within the BJD.

“He (Amar Patnaik) felt suffocated working for the BJD. There was no scope for him. Today, he has joined the BJP, with a unified national vision in mind. There is plenty of scope to work here for the nation. I am sure that he will achieve great laurels while working for us, and I, too, will collaborate with him on all aspects,” said CM Majhi.

Majhi further noted that Prime Minister Modi’s repeated visits to Odisha reflect his special focus on the state.
“Modi ji has visited Odisha seven times in the past 16 months. The BJP is committed to Odisha’s growth, and Amar Babu’s joining has strengthened our movement,” he added, with a pointed remark that while “Naveen Babu is campaigning in Nuapada today, Amar Babu will campaign there for us tomorrow.”

Shift Signals Momentum Towards BJP

Patnaik’s induction follows a series of high-profile political crossovers in Odisha in recent months, as several BJD figures have switched sides to the BJP, with Jay Dholakia being one of the most unprecedented switches.

Meanwhile, Amar Patnaik’s joining is being seen as a major intellectual and organisational gain for the saffron party, which is working to expand its influence across western and southern Odisha.