In a significant blow to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Rabindra Kumar Jena, a senior party leader and former Lok Sabha MP, has resigned from the party’s primary membership. Jena, in a letter to BJD president Naveen Patnaik, cited personal reasons for his decision to part ways with the party after years of dedicated service in Balasore. Expressing gratitude to the party leadership and colleagues, Jena emphasized that his association with the BJD would always be a cherished memory.
The veteran leader’s resignation comes amidst speculation that he might soon join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formally at a special event. Jena, a prominent businessman, had represented the Balasore constituency in the Lok Sabha in 2014 but faced defeat in the 2019 elections.
Following Jena’s resignation, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty alleged that the move stemmed from Jena’s apprehensions about potential CBI action related to his alleged involvement in a multi-crore chit fund scam. Mohanty accused the BJP of using the threat of CBI action to coerce Jena.
Jena’s resignation just before the Rajya Sabha elections holds political significance, especially as his wife, Subasini Jena, serves as a BJD MLA from the Basta Assembly constituency. Political analysts suggest that her vote could be pivotal in the election of the fourth candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls.
