Former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Baijayant Jay Panda on Monday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), ending speculation over his political affiliation.
Panda took to his twitter account and made announcement of his joining BJP.
“Nine months of introspection & widespread consultations w/colleagues & public. Grateful for support recd from all over. On auspicious #MahaShivratri I’ve decided to join @BJP4India & work under the leadership of @narendramodi Ji to serve Odisha & India to the best of my ability,” Panda tweeted.
Panda joined the ruling party in the presence of Union minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi.
“I welcome my friend, Shri Baijayant Jay Panda @PandaJay into the @BJP4India family. His popularity and connect with the Odia youth will further strengthen the surge of @BJP4Odisha in Odisha,” Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted.
Panda, a long-time BJD leader, had fallen apart with party chief Naveen Patnaik, last year.
