Bhubaneswar, May 2: Odia actress Zeena Samal made headlines as she switched her political allegiance from the BJP to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday, just hours after her departure from the BJP. 

Sources indicate that her decision to leave the BJP stemmed from her disappointment over not being nominated as a candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections in Odisha, particularly aspiring for the Bhograi Assembly seat.

In a significant move, Zeena formally joined the BJD in a ceremony attended by Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra at the Sankha Bhaban in Bhubaneswar. Expressing her rationale behind joining the regional party, the actress cited the BJD's respect for women as a key factor. Zeena expressed admiration for Odisha Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik's principles, expressing gratitude to him for extending a warm welcome into the party fold.

Zeena had harbored hopes of securing the BJP ticket for the Bhogarai Assembly seat. However, when the saffron party nominated Asish Patra instead, Zeena made the decision to part ways with the BJP.

In March 2023, Zeena, along with her husband Rudra Panigrahi, had joined the BJP in a ceremony attended by BJP Lok Sabha member Pratap Sarangi.

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