Bhubaneshwar: Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who recently resigned from the BJD, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday at party headquarters in New Delhi.
Former MP and Odia cine star Sidhant Mohapatra, Padma Shri Damayanti Besra also embraced the safron party in presence of BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP national vice president Baijayant Panda, Odisha State president Manmohan Samal at party head office in Delhi.
After joining the party, Mahtab said “I observed during my past 28 years of experience that three things – nationalism, Unity and Purvoday can only be achieved through the BJP. I thought it would be wise to join the BJP now. I am thankful to the BJP’s top leadership. The enthusiasm of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the confidence of Home Minister Amit Shah and the inspiration of national president JP Nadda will help me to move ahead.”
Mahtab, a six-time MP, resigned from the BJD on March 22, expressing displeasure over the party functioning. Mahtab has received Sansad Ratna award four times.
Similarly, Sidhant Mohapatra, an eminent film personality in Odisha, had won from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat twice on BJD ticket. The BJD had denied him a ticket in 2019 election.
“I wish Odisha witnesses the transformation and progress in the way the entire country is witnessing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Damayanti Besra said, “Inspired by the slogan ‘sab ka saath, sab ka vikash,’ I will work for the welfare of all. The BJP gave me an opportunity to fulfill this purpose.”
