Bijoy Mohapatra’s return gives poltical boost to BJP in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday got a shot in the arm as senior leader Bijoy Mohapatra who had resigned from the party on November 30, 2018, made a comeback to the party.

The development took place after BJP vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda and state party in-charge Arun Singh met Mr Mohapatra at his Bhubaneswar residence.

Speaking to media after his homecoming to the saffron party, Bijoy said he took the decision to return to BJP after talking to party’s national President Amit Shah and other senior leaders of the party.

“We will work together for the development of the country putting aside all old differences and with elections round the corner, we are committed to bring about a change (parivartan) in Odisha,” Bijoy said.

Asked whether he would contest the 2019 polls, the former minister clarified that he would accept the responsibilities that the national committee of the party bestows on him.

Baijayant Panda welcomed back the senior leader to the party fold.

Similarly, party state In-charge Arun Singh said Bijoy’s inclusion will boost the party’s poll prospects. “As far as Kendrapara constituency (to which Bijoy belongs), is concerned, Singh said the BJP will come out with flying colours in the elections in Kendrapara segment. Our party’s Lok Sabha candidate Jay Panda is certain to win the election by much better margin than during the last polls and create record in Kendrapara”

Meanwhile, political experts speculate that after induction of several leaders into the party fold recently, Bijoy’s homecoming to BJP could significantly spur the saffron party’s chances of Mission 120-plusin the upcoming elections in Odisha.