Naveen Patnaik Accepts Sasmit Patra’s Resignation as BJD Leader in Rajya Sabha

Bhubaneswar, April 9: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik has formally accepted the resignation of Dr Sasmit Patra as the party’s Parliamentary Leader in the Rajya Sabha.

Patra, a two‑time Rajya Sabha MP, submitted his resignation on April 8, though the reasons remain undisclosed.

His decision follows internal calls from some BJD MPs for a leadership change and comes just two days after Santrupt Misra was sworn in as a new Rajya Sabha member.

Earlier this month, Patra had also stepped down from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, protesting remarks made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey against former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

Patra had been serving as BJD’s leader in the Rajya Sabha since 2022, representing the party’s stance on national issues and debates.

His exit signals a possible restructuring of BJD’s parliamentary strategy and highlights growing tensions between BJD and BJP.