Former Congress MP from Keonjhar, Madhab Sardar today joined Biju Janata Dal (BJD) along with his supporters here.
Sardar, who represented Keonjhar scheduled tribe seat was elected to Lok Sabha in 1996 and continued till 1998.
Accompanied by senior BJD leader and Rural Development minister Badri Narayan Patra, Sardar and his supporters announced their joining the BJD in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Niwas here.
"I joined the BJD after being impressed by the ideals and strong leadership of Naveen Patnaik and his resolve to make Odisha a developed state. Since Odisha under his leadership has made much progress, I decided to join BJD in an effort to make Keonjhar one of the developed districts in the state," Sardar told reporters.
Asked about the reason behind quiting Congress, Sardar said he of late felt being unwanted in the party.
Among others, Congress workers Debasis Padhy, Binayak Rao, former sarpanch Patrana Sethi, Tapan Kumar Sethi and Prasanna Kumar Sethi joined BJD along with Sardar.
Rural Development minister Badri Narayan Patra said with Sardar joining the BJD, the ruling party will take advantage of his immense popularity in Keonjhar.
