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The Indian political landscape witnessed a significant shift as BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar resigned from his post and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday. This move follows Kumar's expulsion from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for alleged anti-party activities. Kumar's decision to join the BJP signifies a major setback for the BJD, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In his address to the media following his induction into the BJP, Kumar highlighted his reasons for joining the party. He cited rampant corruption and lack of development in his native Kalahandi district during the BJD's tenure. He accused certain BJD leaders, government officials, and others of engaging in financial irregularities, leading to the siphoning off of crores of rupees. Kumar claimed he had raised his voice against this corruption and ultimately resigned from the Rajya Sabha to safeguard the interests of Kalahandi.
Kumar's accusations against the BJD further fueled tensions between the two parties. The BJD, in turn, criticized Kumar's move, accusing him of betraying the party that had provided him with a platform in the Rajya Sabha. The party highlighted that Kumar had been elected to the Upper House on the BJD ticket and his resignation and subsequent joining of the BJP constituted a breach of trust. They argued that Kumar's actions betrayed the aspirations of the people of Kalahandi.
Kumar's resignation comes amidst a period of political reshuffling in Odisha. Just a month prior, another BJD MP, Kudumi community leader Mamata Mohanta, resigned from the Rajya Sabha and the BJD. She subsequently joined the BJP and was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha as a BJP member. These resignations have significantly weakened the BJD's presence in the Rajya Sabha, reducing their strength from 9 to 7 MPs.
The recent political developments in Odisha have heightened the stakes for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP's recent gains in the state, coupled with the defection of two prominent BJD members, point towards a potential shift in the political landscape. While the BJD remains a powerful force in Odisha, the BJP's assertive strategy and the erosion of the BJD's base in the Rajya Sabha raise questions about the party's future dominance in the state.
Source: BJD MP Sujeet Kumar resigns from Rajya Sabha, joins BJP