Bhubaneswar, Feb 29: Chilika MLA and former BJD member, Prashant Jagdev, officially joined the BJP on Thursday, putting an end to ongoing speculations. His induction into the saffron party took place at the state party headquarters in Bhubaneswar, in the presence of notable figures such as Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and senior party leader Prithiviraj Harichandan.

Accompanied by his supporters, Jagdev arrived at the BJP party office, where he was warmly welcomed by Sarangi, who formally inducted him into the party. Lata Usendi, BJP's co-in-charge for Odisha, was also in attendance during the joining ceremony.

Jagdev's political journey saw him elected as an MLA from the Begunia constituency in Khurda district in 2014, initially on a BJD ticket. Subsequently, in 2019, he secured victory from the Chilika Assembly Constituency.

The decision to join BJP comes after Jagdev's suspension from BJD in September 2021, following accusations of assaulting a Dalit leader affiliated with the BJP near Chilika Lake. His arrest and subsequent imprisonment in connection with the case marked a tumultuous period for the former BJD leader. Additionally, in March 2022, Jagdev faced further legal trouble when he was arrested for allegedly driving his SUV into a crowd, primarily consisting of BJP supporters and police personnel, outside the Banapur block office in Khurda district.

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