Bhubaneswar: In a shot in the arm for ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the elections in Odisha, former Congress MLA K Surya Rao joined the regional party on Saturday.
Rao joined the Naveen Patnaik-led ruling party in the presence of senior BJD leaders in Bhubaneswar. Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra was also present at programme at Shankha Bhawan, the BJD headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
It may be noted here that the former Paralakhemundi MLA had resigned from Congress in June 2019 following his defeat in Assembly elections. He had accused the party of ignoring him despite his efforts for the development of the party from all fronts.
Rao was elected to the state Assembly from Paralakhemundi in 2014. He fought the 2019 elections from the seat and lost to BJP’s K Narayana Rao.
