Former BJD MP Amar Patnaik Joins BJP, Shakes Up Odisha’s Political Landscape
Bhubaneswar, Nov 3 — In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming elections, former Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today.
The induction ceremony took place at the BJP’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, state president Manmohan Samal, and Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar welcomed him.
Patnaik, a technocrat-turned-politician, was a key figure in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), known for his policy acumen and parliamentary contributions.
His switch to the BJP is widely seen as a strategic move to bolster the party’s appeal among urban and educated voters.
Senior BJP leaders expressed optimism about Patnaik’s entry, citing his administrative experience and credibility as assets that could energise the organisation and influence voter sentiment in critical constituencies.
Meanwhile, the BJD faces a setback, having relied on Patnaik for policy advocacy and legislative representation. His departure signals a shift in Odisha’s political equations and challenges the party’s internal dynamics.
As the state gears up for elections, Patnaik’s move adds momentum to BJP’s campaign and reshapes the narrative in Odisha’s evolving political theatre.
