Bhubaneswar: Distinguished medical professional and hepatologist Dr Devanand Mohapatra joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha.
Dr Mohapatra was welcomed by senior BJD leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra, at a special programme held at Sankha Bhawan, the party headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
Stating that he decided to join the ruling party after being inspired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s dynamic policies and programmes, Dr Mohapatra said he would contribute towards further strengthening the party in the state.
Dr Mohapatra, who hails from Choudwar in Cuttack district, happens to be former president of PG Doctors’ Union in SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Also a former vice president of Indian Medical Association (IMA), he has over 30 years of experience as a professional healthcare expert who did a commendable job during the Covid-19 pandemic, BJD sources said.
