Cuttack: Another Biju Janta Dal (BJD) heavyweight and Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab resigned from the party on Friday.
He has sent his resignation letter to the BJD president and CM Naveen Patnaik, stating that he was forced to snap ties with BJD in a ‘broken heart’.
“I was forced to snap all ties in a broken heart with a party with whom I was associated since its formation and I have some contribution to its growth,” Mahtap, a six-time MP, wrote in his resignation letter.
Through his letter, he has requested the party supremo to accept it with immediate effect.
Later, he convened a press meet and accused the Patnaik-led BJD of deviating from its vision. He told reporters that his patience crossed all limits.
“There is a limit to one’s patience,” said Mahtab.
Mahtab, who was awarded the ‘Sansad Ratna’ for four times for his outstanding performance in parliament, said he didn’t get enough opportunity to work freely in the party.
“I felt like being in captivity. Now, I don’t feel that I have any responsibility for the party. My voice was not given priority in the party. My decision comes after patience crossed all limits,” Mahtab said while addressing a pressers.
“The BJD, which was formed to fight against corruption and stay away from self-aggrandisement, has changed a lot. But, I have tried several times to effect a course correction regarding the manner in which the party was being run for the last few years. I think I can now raise my voice properly after snapping my ties with the party,” Mahtab said.
However, The Cuttack MP didn’t reveal anything about joining the BJP or any other political party or retiring from politics.
Mahtab said he would discuss with the people and his well-wishers before taking making any future decision.
