Bhubaneswar, 3 November (H.S.): In a major political development ahead of the upcoming Nuapada by-election, former BJD Rajya Sabha MP and noted economist Dr. Amar Patnaik officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday in Bhubaneswar.
Dr. Patnaik was welcomed into the party by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP State President Manmohan Samal, and the party’s Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar, in the presence of senior party leaders and supporters.
Expressing gratitude and optimism, Dr. Patnaik termed his decision to join the BJP as a “turning point” in his political journey.
“I left my professional career eight years ago to serve the people of Odisha directly. During my tenure in the Rajya Sabha, I tried my best to raise their issues effectively. Now, I feel the time has come to contribute to the broader task of nation-building,” he said.
Highlighting his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dr. Patnaik stated, “Every time I listened to Modi ji’s speeches in Parliament, I was deeply inspired. His commitment to India’s progress and his vision for a ‘New India’ by 2047 have motivated me to be part of this mission. Under his leadership, India has achieved global recognition and respect.”
He added that his decision to join the BJP stemmed from a belief that “no other political party today is playing a constructive role in building the nation.”
“I am honoured to join the BJP and pledge to work wholeheartedly in whatever responsibility the party entrusts me with. I look forward to contributing to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s vision for Odisha’s development,” he affirmed.
Welcoming Dr. Patnaik into the BJP, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi remarked that the former MP had “freed himself from political suffocation” within the BJD.
“He felt constrained working in the BJD, where there was no room for meaningful contribution. Today, by joining the BJP, he has chosen a platform aligned with a unified national vision. Here, there is immense scope to serve the nation,” the Chief Minister said.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
