In a significant blow to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Debashish Samantaray has resigned from the party’s primary membership. Samantaray expressed gratitude to party president Naveen Patnaik for nominating him to the Rajya Sabha but cited being sidelined within the party as the reason for his resignation. He mentioned working diligently for the party but felt undervalued recently, leading to his decision to step down.
Having served as a three-time MLA in Odisha, representing various constituencies, Samantaray is known for his influence in the Cuttack, Tirtol, and Paradip regions. Despite being a prominent figure in the BJD, he has been vocal about internal party matters and has even criticized key party figures in the past. Speculation is now circulating that he might join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) soon.
Samantaray also resigned from his position in the Rajya Sabha, reducing the BJD’s representation in the Upper House to just five members. His departure marks a significant development in Odisha’s political landscape, given his long-standing association with the BJD and his stature within the party.
