In a major political development in Odisha, senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has resigned from both the party and the Upper House of Parliament. His sudden exit has triggered intense political discussions in the state, especially amid speculation about his possible entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Resigns from BJD Primary Membership

Debashish Samantaray submitted his resignation from the primary membership of the Biju Janata Dal and sent his resignation letter to BJD president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Shortly after quitting the party, he met Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan in Delhi and resigned from his Rajya Sabha membership as well.

“Party No Longer Needs My Service”

Speaking after stepping down, Samantaray said he felt that the party no longer required his services.

“I feel the party no longer needs my service. Therefore, I have taken this decision,” he said.

Samantaray had been elected to the Rajya Sabha from BJD on April 4, 2024, ahead of the general elections. His tenure was scheduled to continue till April 2030.

Third BJD Rajya Sabha MP to Quit Before Completing Term

With his resignation, Debashish Samantaray has become the third BJD Rajya Sabha MP after Mamata Mohanta and Sujit Kumar to leave both the party and Parliament before completing the term.

A three-time MLA and veteran BJD leader, Samantaray was once considered one of Naveen Patnaik’s closest political associates.

Growing Distance with Naveen Patnaik

Political circles had been witnessing signs of growing differences between Samantaray and the BJD leadership over the past several months. Sources within the party claimed that his supporters were not receiving importance in organizational matters.

He had also reportedly ignored the senior vice-president position offered to him by the party leadership. In recent months, he was largely absent from party activities and refrained from making public comments on party affairs.

Social Media Hints Added to Speculation

Earlier, political commentator Sramayee Mishra had hinted at another major exit from BJD through a cryptic social media post mentioning that “another wicket would fall.”

Soon after submitting his resignation, Samantaray posted on social media platform X, stating:

“From the day Biju Janata Dal was formed till today, I have served the party with dedication, organization and commitment. I will continue my struggle for the people of Odisha. Jai Jagannath.”

BJP Joining Speculation Intensifies

Samantaray’s resignation has intensified speculation about his possible entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Political discussions gained momentum after Odisha Chief Minister’s recent Delhi visit, with reports suggesting that Samantaray could formally join the BJP in the presence of senior central leaders.

Observers believe that his dissatisfaction with the party leadership had deepened after internal disagreements over key political decisions, including the party’s stand on the Waqf Bill and the nomination of Santosh Mishra to the Rajya Sabha.

Major Political Setback for BJD

The resignation is being viewed as another setback for BJD at a time when the regional party is facing internal challenges after losing power in Odisha. Samantaray’s exit may further fuel debates over leadership, internal coordination and growing dissatisfaction within the party ranks.

His next political move is now being closely watched in both Odisha and national political circles.

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