"Party will get further strengthened": Odisha BJP chief Manmohan Samal welcomes MP Debashish Samantray
New Delhi, May 26
Odisha Bharatiya Janata Party President Manmohan Samal on Tuesday welcomed former Biju Janata Dal MP Debashish Samantray's induction into the BJP, saying his entry would further strengthen the party in the state.
Speaking to ANI in Delhi, Samal said Samantray's long political experience and background would add to the BJP's organisational strength.
"The party will get further strengthened because he is an experienced leader and has been an MLA thrice, has been in politics for a long time, his entire family was in politics, hence his joining has strengthened the BJP," he said.
Earlier in the day, MP Debashish Samantaray met BJP National President Nitin Nabin shortly after joining the party.
During his meeting, he was felicitated by BJP National President Nitin Nabin in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Manmohan Samal and other senior leaders as they welcomed Samantaray in the BJP.
After joining the BJP a day after resigning from Biju Janata Dal, Debashish Samantray said that he was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "programs and personality" and affirmed the committment to working for Odisha as a BJP member.
"I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Inspired by his programs and personality, I am joining the BJP today. I have a lot of work to do for the BJP in Odisha; I will try to strengthen it," he said.
Meanwhile, Biju Janata Dal accused Rajya Sabha MP Debasish Samantray of prioritising "business interests over the party's expectations" and "turning" to the BJP after he tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the party.
Expressing stern disappointment over Samantaray's decision, the BJD reflected on the facilities provided to him by the party, including giving a ticket for a fifth time, appointment as Chairman of OTDC, among other organisational positions. BJD accused the MP of using them and resigning to "pursue his own interests".
This comes a day after MP Debasish Samantray resigned from the primary membership of Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
In a resignation letter addressed to BJD president Naveen Patnaik, he expressed gratitude for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha and for the opportunity to serve the people of the undivided Cuttack district and raise issues of Odisha at the national level.
— ANI
Reader Comments
BJD's statement about 'business interests' says it all. Our politicians treat politics like a business venture - switch parties when it suits their interests. Sad state of affairs for Odisha's democracy. 😔
This is typical Indian politics - leaders jumping ship for better prospects. The real losers are the voters who elected him on one platform only to see him join the opposition. At least wait till next elections!
Manmohan Samal ji is right about strengthening the party. Every defection brings experienced leaders who know local issues. But this constant party-hopping erodes public trust. We need stability, not musical chairs in politics. 🇮🇳
The BJD's accusation about 'business interests' is a serious allegation. If true, this shows how corporate interests influence our political system. Both parties need to be transparent about their funding sources. 🧐
This is the ugly side of coalition politics in India. Leaders switch parties faster than we change our clothes. The common citizen doesn't benefit from these power games. We need stronger anti-defection laws!
PM Modi's vision is inspiring, no doubt. But party-hopping MPs should first explain to voters why they changed allegiance. Let
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.