In a significant political development, Mamata Mohanta has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at its headquarters in Delhi, a day after resigning from her Rajya Sabha seat and the primary membership of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
The joining ceremony on Thursday was mark by the presence of senior BJP leaders including Arun Singh, party general secretary, Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, BJP Odisha In-charge, and Lok Sabha MPs Pradeep Panigrahy, Anita Subhadarshini, Anant Nayak, and Malvika Keshari Deo.
Arun Singh warmly welcomed Mohanta to the BJP, highlighting her contributions to women’s empowerment and criticizing the BJD for alleged neglect of rural development and backward classes during its 24-year governance in Odisha.
Expressing her gratitude, Mohanta thanked BJP National President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their support.
Mohanta, a prominent social activist from the Kudumi community in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, election to the Rajya Sabha in April 2020. Her term set to conclude in April 2026.
In response, the BJD has accused Mohanta of betraying the Kudumi society and the people of Mayurbhanj. Senior BJD leader and former minister Sarojini Hembram says that Mohanta’s resignation was a motivation by personal interests.
However, Mohanta’s departure from the Rajya Sabha and the BJD marks a notable shift in the political landscape of Odisha.
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