Bhubaneswar: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former minister Bikram Keshari Arukha on Sunday dismissed rumours of leaving the regional party, asserting that he will continue to work under the leadership of party president Naveen Patnaik.
In a video message shared on Sunday, Arukh said he is a founder member of the BJD and described Naveen Patnaik as his favourite leader and the BJD as his favourite party. He further asserted that he has been dedicatedly working for the regional party since its inception.
“Today, I heard that there is a discussion in various media outlets that I am going to join another party. This is only a rumour, and there is no truth in it. I was, am, and will always remain in the BJD,” he clarified.
Arukh, who is a member of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of BJD, noted that his absence in one or two meetings of the PAC had triggered speculation of his quitting the party and his possible induction in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“I am a member of the BJD’s Political Affairs Committee and regularly participate in its meetings. Due to personal reasons, I was unable to attend one or two meetings. If that has given rise to speculation that I am upset or disgruntled, such claims are completely baseless,” Arukh added.
The clarification comes amid speculation in sections of the media over Arukh’s possible move to the ruling BJP. Notably, the regional party has seen several senior leaders resign since its defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections, which ended its 24-year stint in power.
Meanwhile, responding to a query about Arukh’s possible entry into the ruling party, BJP state president Manmohan Samal earlier told reporters that he had no information on the matter. However, he added that the doors of the ruling party are open to all.
Arukh, a six-time MLA from the Bhanjanagar Assembly constituency in Ganjam district, has served in several key ministerial positions in the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government, including Finance, Parliamentary Affairs, Rural Development, Law, and Forest & Environment.
(IANS)
