Bhubaneswar : In a significant development ahead of the upcoming elections in Odisha, former Congress MLA K Surya Rao officially joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday. 

Rao's inclusion in the regional party was marked by a ceremony attended by senior BJD leaders in Bhubaneswar, including Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra, held at Shankha Bhawan, the BJD headquarters.

Rao's decision to join the Naveen Patnaik-led party comes as a boost for the BJD, strengthening its position as elections draw near. It's noteworthy that Rao had resigned from the Congress in June 2019 following his defeat in the Assembly elections. His departure from the Congress was accompanied by allegations of neglect, despite his dedicated efforts towards the party's advancement on all fronts.

Previously elected to the state Assembly from Paralakhemundi in 2014, Rao contested the 2019 elections from the same constituency but faced defeat at the hands of the BJP's K Narayana Rao. His move to align with the BJD signals a significant shift in Odisha's political landscape and underscores the evolving dynamics as parties gear up for the upcoming electoral challenges.

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