Senior Odisha politician and former Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He joined the party at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal and Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar.

Samantaray’s move comes just a day after he resigned from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and stepped down from his Rajya Sabha membership, triggering fresh political discussions in Odisha.

Thanks PM Modi After Joining BJP

After joining the BJP, Debashish Samantaray expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he was inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

He said, “I joined the BJP after being influenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and work for the country. I will work to further strengthen the party in Odisha. Odisha is progressing under the Prime Minister’s leadership and I will contribute towards fulfilling his dream for the nation.”

He also thanked the BJP leadership for giving him the opportunity to work with the party.

Resigned From BJD and Rajya Sabha

On Monday, Samantaray resigned from the primary membership of the BJD and also gave up his Rajya Sabha seat. Within 24 hours of quitting the regional party, he formally joined the BJP in Delhi.

His resignation is being seen as a major setback for the BJD, especially at a time when the party is facing internal dissatisfaction among several senior leaders.

Strong Remarks in Resignation Letter

In his resignation letter addressed to BJD president Naveen Patnaik, Samantaray expressed deep dissatisfaction with the party’s functioning.

He alleged that he was being deliberately ignored within the party and claimed that the BJD no longer required his services.

“In the interest of the people, I am taking the difficult decision to leave the party,” he wrote in the letter.

Growing Distance With Naveen Patnaik

Political circles had already started speculating about Samantaray’s exit after hints emerged on social media through posts made by Sreemayee Mishra.

Once considered close to BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, Samantaray — popularly known as “Rishi” — was reportedly unhappy for several reasons. Sources indicate that his distance from Naveen Patnaik had increased over the past year, while his supporters were allegedly being sidelined within the party.

Why Did “Rishi” Turn Against BJD?

Samantaray and his supporters have raised several issues regarding the internal functioning of the BJD and the growing influence of former bureaucrat V.K. Pandian in the party.

According to sources close to him:

• He was allegedly unable to meet Naveen Patnaik for nearly a year.
• He reportedly blamed V.K. Pandian for his decision to quit the party.
• Questions were raised over the management of Biju Patnaik’s legacy and properties.
• Concerns were expressed that senior leaders were no longer being respected within the BJD.
• He also alleged that instead of strengthening the organisation, the focus was on suspending more leaders from the party.

Political Impact in Odisha

Debashish Samantaray’s switch to the BJP is expected to intensify political tensions in Odisha. His departure adds to the growing narrative of internal unrest within the BJD following its electoral setback.

Political observers believe his move could influence party dynamics in coastal Odisha, especially in Cuttack district where Samantaray has maintained a strong political presence for years.