Former ZP Member Resigns From BJD, To Contest As Independent In Odisha’s Jajpur

Jajpur: Former Zilla Parishad member Satish Biswal has resigned from BJD after the party did not nominate him as its candidate for Dharmasala Assembly constituency in Odisha’s Jajpur district.

Speaking to media persons on Thursday, Biswal said he has sent his resignation letter to chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik.

Biswal, who was aspiring to contest from Dharmasala on BJD ticket, did not figure in the party’s candidate list announced by Naveen. The ruling party has nominated Pranab Kumar Balbantray for the constituency.

Stating that he has been active members of the BJD for a long time, he said he had prepared the ground works all these years to participate in the Assembly elections. Now that the party has ignored his case, he said he would contest as an Independent candidate in the election.

On the other hand, Dharmasala block president of BJD Jaladhar Mohanty said Biswal’s resignation would not have any impact on the party’s prospects in the election. Biswal was not an active member of the party nor participated in any of its activities, he added.