Bhubaneswar: Former Member of Parliament Rabindra Kumar Jena has resigned from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), ending his long association with the regional party. Along with quitting the party, he has also resigned from its primary membership.
Jena sent his resignation letter to BJD president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, stating that he had taken the decision due to personal reasons.
In the letter, Jena wrote, “Today, I am submitting my resignation from the primary membership of Biju Janata Dal. For many long years, I have remained a disciplined member of the party, strengthened its organisation, and served the people of Balasore. However, due to some personal reasons and circumstances, I have taken the difficult decision to separate from the party.”
He further stated that his long association with the party would remain a memorable journey. Expressing gratitude, he thanked the state leadership, colleagues and party workers of Balasore district for the cooperation, respect and opportunities he received during his tenure with the party.
Jena’s resignation has triggered political speculation, particularly with the Rajya Sabha elections approaching. Political observers believe the exit of a prominent leader from North Odisha could have implications for the party’s organisational strength in the region. In Balasore, considered a key political battleground, BJD’s influence is reportedly weakening gradually.
While Jena has not disclosed his future political plans, there is growing speculation that he may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Notably, Jena was elected to the Lok Sabha from Balasore in the 2014 general elections, defeating BJP leader Pratap Chandra Sarangi. However, in the 2019 elections, Sarangi defeated Jena and reclaimed the seat.
The development has sparked fresh discussions in Odisha’s political circles about possible realignments.
