Debashish Samantaray’s BJD Exit: ‘BJP Washing Machine Won’t Clean His Mess’
Bhubaneswar: Former Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray’s resignation from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has triggered sharp reactions within the party.
Senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik accused Samantaray of quitting for “personal and business interests,” alleging that he hopes the BJP will act as a “washing machine” to clean up his controversies.
Mallik highlighted that despite being repeatedly trusted by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Samantaray failed to make significant contributions to public service or raise Odisha’s issues effectively.
She also linked his absence during the Waqf Bill proceedings to possible BJP influence.
Lenin Mohanty, another BJD leader, downplayed the impact of his departure, noting that Samantaray’s role had diminished in recent years.
Meanwhile, Samantaray’s resignation letter claimed he was “systematically belittled” and sidelined within the party, intensifying speculation about his possible move to the BJP.
The episode underscores rising political tensions in Odisha, with BJD framing the exit as opportunistic and BJP being portrayed as a refuge for troubled leaders.
