Former Laxmipur MLA Kailash Kulesika joins BJP after quitting BJD 

Bhubaneswar: Kailash Kulesika, the ex-MLA of Laxmipur, has made a significant move by aligning himself with the BJP, just ahead of the forthcoming dual elections in Odisha. This shift comes shortly after the BJD’s announcement of nominating Prabhu Jani, the incumbent MLA, for the Laxmipur seat.

Kulesika’s decision to switch parties is fueled by his expectation of securing a candidacy from the BJD for the assembly polls in the Laxmipur constituency. Expressing his disillusionment, he remarked, “I had joined the BJD with hopes of contesting from Laxmipur. However, the party’s failure to fulfill its commitment has left me feeling betrayed. The people of the state will surely react to this betrayal.”

With a political background, Kulesika previously ran in the assembly elections from Laxmipur as an independent candidate in 2009, though without success. However, he emerged victorious in the 2014 polls as a Congress candidate from the same seat. His narrow loss to BJD’s Prabhu Jani by a margin of just 229 votes in the subsequent 2019 elections highlighted the competitiveness of the constituency.

By joining the BJP, Kulesika’s political journey is poised to embark on a new course, injecting an intriguing dynamic into Odisha’s electoral scenario.