Bhubaneswar, March 10 – In a major setback for the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), senior party leader and former Member of Parliament Rabindra Kumar Jena resigned from the primary membership of the BJD on Tuesday.
In a letter addressed to the BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik, Jena cited personal reasons for his resignation from the party.
"For many years, I have remained a disciplined member of the party, strengthening its organization while serving the people of Balasore. However, due to certain personal reasons and circumstances, I have made the difficult decision to part ways with the party," stated Jena.
The veteran leader further emphasized that his long association with the party would always remain a memorable journey. He expressed his deep gratitude to the party's state leadership, colleagues, and the BJD workers of Balasore district for their cooperation, respect, and opportunities during this period.
"I sincerely express my deep gratitude to the state leadership, my colleagues, and all the party workers of Balasore district for the cooperation, respect, and opportunities I have received during this period. Finally, I humbly request you to kindly accept my resignation and relieve me immediately from all responsibilities of the party," added Jena in the letter to Patnaik.
Notably, Jena, a prominent businessman, was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Balasore constituency in 2014 but lost to senior BJP leader Pratap Chandra Sarangi by a small margin in the 2019 elections.
Speculation is rife that Jena may soon formally join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a special event.
Following his resignation on Tuesday, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty alleged that Jena decided to quit the regional party out of fear of possible CBI action against him in connection with his alleged involvement in the multi-crore chit fund scam. He further accused the ruling BJP of constantly threatening Jena with CBI action in the chit fund scam.
Meanwhile, Jena's resignation ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections holds significant political importance, as the former MP's wife, Subasini Jena, is currently a BJD MLA representing the Basta Assembly constituency. Political experts expressed that her vote may play a major role in the voting for the fourth candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls.