BJD’s 20 Panchayat Leaders Protest Candidate Selection & Join BJP In Odisha’s Malkangiri

Malkangiri: At least 20 leaders of BJD at panchayat and block level in Odisha’s Malkangiri resigned from the party in protest against nomination of Laxmipriya Nayak for Chitrakonda Assembly segment and joined BJP on Sunday.

After the BJD dropped sitting Chitrakonda MLA Purna Chandra Baka and nominated Laxmipriya for the seat, resentment has been brewing among the party leaders and workers of the constituency and Mathili.

A section of party workers, who supported Baka and were expecting his renomination this time, raised the flag of rebellion.

With the BJD leaders sticking to the selection of the candidate, the members of the rebellious group which included at around 20 leaders of panchayat and block levels resigned from the party. They joined the BJP at a function in Babanguda under Mathili block on Sunday.

These leaders include 2 block chairmen, 2 block vice-chairmen, 6 sarpanchs and 7 panchayat samiti members. Baka’s son has also switched over to the saffron party.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, they said they resigned from BJD after the party betrayed them. More panchayat leaders of the BJD would join BJP soon, they added.

Welcoming the former BJD leaders to the party, BJP’s candidate for Chitrakonda Dambaru Sisa said they would further strengthen his party’s prospects in the elections.