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Key Points

Senior BJD leaders have delivered a major blow to Naveen Patnaik's party with their sudden resignations. Former MP N Bhaskar Rao ended his 50-year association with the Biju Pariwar, expressing a heavy heart but no complaints against individuals. The resignations come amid internal discontent over recent leadership appointments in Rayagada district. Both veterans have launched a new social organization while denying any immediate political motives behind their departure.

Key Points: Naveen Patnaik Jolt as BJD Veterans Bhaskar Rao Himirika Resign

  • Former MP N Bhaskar Rao resigns after 50 years in Biju Pariwar
  • Ex-minister Lal Bihari Himirika cites age as reason for leaving BJD
  • Resignations follow discontent over new Rayagada district president appointment
  • Leaders launch Biju Swabhiman Manch as social welfare platform
2 min read

Jolt to Naveen Patnaik as veteran leaders resign from BJD

Veteran leaders N Bhaskar Rao and Lal Bihari Himirika resign from BJD, citing internal discontent and ending decades-long association with Biju Patnaik's legacy.

"I am ending my political journey in BIJU PARIWAR - N Bhaskar Rao"

Bhubaneswar, Sep 9

In a major jolt to the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Rayagada district, senior leader and former party MP, N Bhaskar Rao, on Tuesday tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the party as did former minister Lal Bihari Himirika.

In a shocker for the party on Tuesday, apart from Lal Bihari Himirika and N Bhaskar Rao several senior leaders and party workers also resigned from the Opposition BJD.

In his resignation letter to party President Naveen Patnaik, Rao wrote, “I don't have any kind of complaints against any individual for any reason. With a heavy heart, I submit my resignation from the Biju Janata Dal, concluding my active political journey within the party.

"I have rendered my political responsibilities and Political life in "BIJU PARIWAR" and now I am ending my political journey in “BIJU PARIWAR."

Rao stated that he had joined the 'Biju Pariwar' and active politics in 1974 following the invitation of legendary Biju Patnaik.

During a Press conference held in Rayagada, Rao also announced the launch of an organisation called ‘Biju Swabhiman Manch’, aimed at working for the welfare of the people of Rayagada district.

He denied any political motives behind the initiative, describing ‘Biju Swabhiman Manch’ as a purely social platform.

As per reports, Rao expressed his displeasure over the appointment of former minister Jagannath Saraka as district president of the BJD in Rayagada district just a few days ago.

As Himirika along with several others also resigned from the primary membership of the party, he too wrote to Naveen Patnaik stating, “I, Lal Bihari Himirika, humbly submit my resignation from party responsibilities. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve under your leadership and the legacy of Late Biju Patnaik."

"As a dedicated party worker, I've strived to serve with sincerity and loyalty. However, at 78, I feel I'm no longer able to fulfill party responsibilities satisfactorily,” wrote the ex-Minister in a letter to the ailing BJD supremo on Tuesday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
At 78 years old, Lal Bihari Himirika is being honest about his capabilities. Respect for his decades of service to Odisha politics 🙏 We need more politicians who acknowledge their limitations instead of clinging to power.
A
Aryan P
The timing is suspicious though! Just after Jagannath Saraka's appointment as district president? Clearly internal politics at play. BJD needs to sort out their leadership issues in Rayagada.
S
Sarah B
As an observer of Indian politics, it's interesting to see how regional parties handle succession planning. When veterans who built the party start leaving, it often signals deeper organizational challenges.
M
Meera T
"Biju Swabhiman Manch" as a social platform? Sounds like political regrouping to me. In Odisha politics, social organizations often become political launchpads. Let's see how this develops.
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Vikram M
Respect to both leaders for resigning gracefully without bitterness. Their letters show they still respect Biju Patnaik's legacy. This is how political transitions should happen - with dignity.

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