Bhubaneswar: Former Minister and senior leader of Koraput, Jayaram Pangi joined the Congress party at the Congress Bhawan here today. Before joining the Congress Pangi was in BRS, BJP, BJD and Janata Dal.
Former Koraput MP Pangi started his political career in 1977 on being elected MLA from Pottangi on a Janata Dal ticket. Again he was elected as an MLA in 1990 on Janata Dal ticket. During this period, he was a minister in the cabinet led by Biju Patnaik.
Later in 2000 and 2004, he won from Pottangi on BJD ticket. In 2009, he was made the BJD candidate from Koraput Lok Sabha seat. Later he was denied a ticket by the BJD following which he joined the BJP and a few days ago he left BJP and joined BRS.
On the other hand, former Talsara MLA Ranjit Bhitria also joined the Congressafter quitting BJD.
Pangi, Bhitria and several other leaders joined the Congress in the presence of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Sarat Patnaik.
