Deogarh BJD Strongman Minaketan Pradhan Quits Party, Returns To BJP Ahead Of Polls In Odisha

Deogarh: Nine months after joining Biju Janata Dal (BJD), senior leader from Deogarh Minaketan Pradhan has quit the regional party and returned to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming elections.

According to sources, Pradhan has sent his resignation letter to BJD president Naveen Patnaik conveying his decision to quit the ruling party.

Stating that he had quit BJP and joined BJD in April 2023, Pradhan told media that he had left the saffron party because of some misunderstanding.

However, it had become difficult to remain in the ruling party, he said, adding that he felt suffocated and neglected in BJD because of the manner in which the party functioned.

Therefore, Pradhan said he decided to quit the ruling BJD and return to BJP, which he considers as his real home.

It may be noted here that Pradhan had been an active member of BJP since 1990. He held important positions in the saffron party from time to time. With his return, BJP is set to be further strengthened in Deogarh, party leaders said.