Former Odisha MLA Priyadarshi Mishra Joins BJP Shortly After Quitting BJD Ahead Of Elections

Bhubaneswar: Shortly after resigning from the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), former Odisha MLA Priyadarshi Mishra joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state.

The former MLA from Bhubaneswar North joined the saffron party in the presence of Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi in Bhubaneswar.

BJP’s election in-charge for Odisha Vijaypal Singh Tomar was also present at the programme at the party office in Bhubaneswar.

The BJP leaders said that Priyadarshi’s entry would further strengthen the saffron party in the state capital and neighbouring areas ahead of the twin elections.

Priyararshi had sent his resignation letter to BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the morning. He cited ‘continuous neglect’ in the party as the reason behind his decision to desert the conch party.

Son-in-law of former Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patasani, the ex-legislator had started his political career in his student days with late Biju Patnaik. He had won his first Assembly elections on the BJD ticket from Bhubaneswar North in 2014.

Priyadarshi deserted the conch party after serving the regional outfit for over three decades. His move is said to have dealt a blow to the Naveen Patnaik-led party ahead of the ensuing elections.