Odisha Elections: BJD Secretary Chittaranjan Mandal Quits Party Following Denial Of Ticket

Bhubaneswar: In a fresh setback to the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the twin elections in Odisha, senior leader and party state secretary Chittaranjan Mandal resigned form the party on Monday following denial of ticket for Assembly polls.

As per reports, Mandal has sent his resignation from the primary membership of the party to BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Stating that he worked with dedication and sincerity in the regional party, Mandal said he was hurt due to certain decisions and actions of the party leadership. Therefore, he decided to leave the party, he said.

Mandal said he was an aspirant for BJD ticket for Narla Assembly seat, but the regional party has nominated Manorama Mohanty from the constituency. In 2019 elections, Bhupinder Singh had contested and won as a BJD candidate. However, he failed to get party ticket this time.

Stating that he had met the Chief Minister for the last time in September 2019, Mandal said he never got an opportunity to meet Naveen after that despite his continuous effort.

Mandal, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2019 Assembly polls from Narla as a Congress candidate, later joined BJD. It is speculated that he may go back to Congress fold after quitting BJD.