The Leader of Opposition in the Odisha assembly and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Saturday along with a party legislator.
Singh, who represents Narla constituency in Kalahandi district, met Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik at his residence along with Congress legislator Anup Kumar Sai.
"Some people with vested interest have captured the Congress organisation and that is why we decided to join the BJD," Singh told reporters.
Sai represents Brajarajnagar constituency and was also the secretary of the Congress legislature party. He said that by joining the ruling party, he expects to serve the people better.
The chief minister said the leaders will be assets for the ruling party.