After Naba Das, Another Cong Leader Hints At Joining BJD

Salepur: Problems seem to be mounting for the Congress ahead of 2019 elections with another leader hinting at quitting the party and joining the BJD.

“The BJD is in a good position in Odisha since last 20 years and continues to do so till date. We too enjoy the support of the people. It is up to the high command to take a decision. If he wants, I will contest the election,” Salepur Congress MLA Prakash Behera told mediapersons here on Monday.

He, however, evaded a question on high command of which party he was referring to.

On Sunday, veteran Congress leader and Jharsuguda MLA Naba Kishore Das had given a statement along similar lines.

If Behera joins BJD, it would be a big jolt to the Congress in Cuttack district since he holds a sway in the region.

In June last year, Behera had resigned from the post of Cuttack District Congress Committee president, stating that he would like to devote more time for the people of his constituency.

Speculation about the Salepur MLA joining the BJD has been rife since 2016 when he shared the dais with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other BJD leaders at a meeting held at Salepur.

In his speech, Behera had showered praises on Naveen. “He is a successful leader and has emerged as the No.1 Chief Minister in the country,” he had said.

Political analysts were then of the view that Behera, who has already been closer to the BJD, might join it before 2019 general elections.