Ex-Odisha MLA Priyadarshi Mishra switches allegiance to BJP after cutting ties with BJD

Ex-MLA representing Bhubaneswar (North), officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday.

Shortly after resigning from the primary membership of the Biju Janata Dal, Priyadarshi Mishra, the ex-MLA representing Bhubaneswar (North), officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday.

Mishra formalized his switch to the BJP at the party's Bhubaneswar headquarters, with prominent attendees such as Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, and BJP co-in charge for Odisha Vijaypal Singh Tomar witnessing the event.

Earlier in the day, Mishra forwarded his resignation to BJD's leader Naveen Patnaik, citing consistent neglect within the party as his reason for departure.

In his resignation letter, Mishra expressed, "I'm stepping down from the party's membership due to sustained disregard within the organization."

Speaking to the press, the former BJD general secretary reflected on his long association with the party since his student days and his collaboration with the late Biju Babu. He highlighted his disappointment at being denied a ticket in 2019 despite assurances from the party chief of receiving one in 2024. Mishra lamented the party's repeated neglect, emphasizing his absence from party functions and events as contributing factors to his decision to leave.

Priyadarshi Mishra, who is also the son-in-law of former Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Kumar Patasani, had secured his seat in the State Legislative Assembly during the 2014 elections.