Aravind Mohaptra, Bijoy Mohaptra’s Son, Joins BJD
Bhubaneswar: In a significant political development, Aravind Mohapatra, the son of the former minister and senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra, made a notable transition on Thursday by officially joining the ranks of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the state.
Arvind joined the BJD amid the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other distinguished leaders of the BJD at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Chief Mnister Naveen Patnaik welcomed Arvind into the party fold and bestowed blessings upon the aspiring leader. “Aravind Babu, we extend our heartfelt welcome to you into the esteemed fold of the Biju Janata Dal. May you fervently dedicate yourself to the betterment of Kendrapara district,” articulated CM Patnaik.
In a gesture emblematic of inclusivity, Patnaik also extended a warm reception to the supporters of Aravind Mohapatra, embracing them into the BJD’s fold.
Expressing his gratitude, Aravind Mohapatra conveyed his appreciation to CM Patnaik for affording him the opportunity to serve the populace of Kendrapara and Odisha under the auspices of the BJD. He reflected on consultations with the denizens of Patkura and sought the blessings of his father before embarking on his political journey and aligning himself with the BJD.
“Since 2019, my engagements across various locales within the Patkura constituency have underscored the imperative for a platform wherein I can earnestly contribute to the comprehensive development of Patkura,” shared Mohapatra, articulating his vision for the region.
It is noteworthy that Aravind Mohapatra’s father, Bijoy Mohapatra, had been a trusted confidant of the erstwhile Odisha Chief Minister, Biju Patnaik. Bijoy Mohapatra’s tenure as a pivotal figure in Biju Patnaik’s Cabinet from 1990 to 1995 solidified his stature, epitomizing a legacy deeply intertwined with the fabric of Odisha’s political landscape. Having represented the Patkura constituency in Kendrapara district for four consecutive terms, his influence was formidable.
However, the political trajectory took a divergent turn when Bijoy Mohapatra was denied a ticket by the BJD to contest the elections from the Patkura constituency in 2000. Subsequently, he found himself estranged from the party, facing expulsion in the same year. Despite his endeavors following his affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bijoy Mohapatra found himself relegated to the periphery, grappling with a prolonged spell of marginalization within the party ranks.