Ex-Minister Ganeswar Behera, Lekhasri Samantsinghar join BJD 

Bhubaneswar: Former minister Ganeswar Behera on Sunday officially became a member of the BJD during a gathering in Bhubaneswar. Behera had stepped down from the Congress party on April 2. Accompanied by hundreds of his supporters, Behera joined the BJD in the presence of senior party figures.

Behera had previously contested the Kendrapara Assembly seat in 2019, narrowly losing to a BJD candidate. His political career includes victories in Patamundai in 1985 and 1995. He was also a minister in during Congress rule from 1995-1999. 

Similarly, following her departure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lekhasri Samantsinghar swiftly realigned herself with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the state of Odisha. The transition was marked by a ceremonious event held at Shankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, where the former vice president of the Odisha unit of BJP formally embraced membership of BJD. Notable BJD figures, including Manas Mangaraj, graced this significant occasion.

Lekhasri expressed her heartfelt appreciation towards Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and 5T Chairman VK Pandian for extending a warm reception into the folds of the regional party. She pledged her unwavering commitment to serving the BJD and the populace with steadfast dedication. “Having joined the BJD, I am enthusiastic about contributing to the party’s noble mission,” affirmed Lekhasri.

Earlier on the same day, Lekhasri severed her ties with the BJP, ending a decade-long association. She cited a prevailing sense of ‘neglect’ within the party despite her sincere efforts and unwavering dedication. In her resignation letter addressed to Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal, she underscored her years of devoted service to the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, feeling disheartened by the absence of acknowledgment and trust from the party leadership, she concluded that her aspirations to serve the people of Odisha were better aligned with the principles and vision of the BJD.