Odisha BJP Chief’s Nephew Joins BJD

Bhubaneswar: The changing political dynamics ahead of the 2019 elections in Odisha make for an interesting watch.

Among those making a beeline for Naveen Niwas for tickets to contest polls, one face stood out on Saturday morning. It was of Harischandra Panda, nephew of Odisha BJP president Basanta Panda. He was spotted at the residence of the BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik along with his supporters.

He later met the party chief and joined the Conch party.

Welcoming him, Naveen said, “Harischandra’s inclusion in the BJD will strengthen the party.”

After joining the regional party, Harischandra accused his uncle and Odisha BJP chief of working for his party and not the soil. He said BJP had lost its base in Nuapada and the party lacks democracy.

“Odisha witnessed a lot of development under BJD rule. I am inspired by the leadership and have decided to join the party to serve the people,” he told mediapersons.

Senior BJP leader Pratap Sarangi said that Harischandra joining the BJD will have no impact on the saffron party in Odisha.

On the other hand, Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, who resigned from the BJD recently, is likely to join the BJP in New Delhi on Saturday evening. The MP is in Delhi now.