Bhubaneswar, Sept 9: In a major setback to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), senior leader N Bhaskar Rao on Monday resigned from the party’s primary membership, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the party’s internal functioning.

Rao, joined by another senior leader Lal Bihari Himirika, made the announcement at a press conference. He strongly objected to the recent appointment of the district president, alleging that the decision undermined the morale of loyal workers. Rao criticized the party leadership for choosing a defeated candidate for the post while sidelining capable and experienced leaders who enjoy grassroots support.

“The president’s selection has hurt everyone’s sentiments. A defeated person has been given the president post, while dedicated leaders have been ignored. We are not anti-Naveen, but true Biju lovers. Our decisions will reflect the will of the workers,” Rao told reporters.

Marking a new chapter in his political career, Rao declared the formation of a new outfit named the Biju Swabhiman Manch. He emphasized that the platform would work to uphold Biju Patnaik’s ideology and safeguard the self-respect of party workers.

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