Bhubaneswar, 25 May (H.S.): In a significant political development in Odisha, Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray resigned from the primary membership of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday, citing feelings of being “systematically belittled” within the party and stating that his services were no longer required.

In a resignation letter addressed to BJD president Naveen Patnaik, Samantaray expressed gratitude for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha and for the opportunity to represent the people of the undivided Cuttack district while raising issues concerning Odisha at the national level.

“I shall always be indebted to you for nominating me to Rajya Sabha. I take this opportunity to express my sincere and deepest gratitude to you for giving me an opportunity to serve the people of the undivided Cuttack district and to raise issues of Odisha at large at the national level,” he wrote.

The veteran leader said he had consistently worked for the party with dedication and commitment over the years but had recently felt sidelined.

“I have always dedicated myself to the interest of the party and have, over the years, worked for the party with utmost conviction and commitment. However, I feel that, of late, I have been systematically belittled in the party and that the party does not require my services. Therefore, I have taken this hard decision in the public interest and request you to accept my resignation,” the letter stated.

While Samantaray did not specify the reasons behind his decision, his resignation has sparked discussions in political circles, with observers pointing to possible internal differences and growing dissatisfaction within the party ranks. The development comes at a crucial time for the BJD as it navigates the changing political landscape in Odisha following recent electoral setbacks.

The BJD leadership has not yet issued an official response to Samantaray’s resignation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda