Former Khalikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethy Quits BJD

Bhubaneswar, Mar 25: In yet another jolt to Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the 2024 general elections, senior BJD leader and former Khalikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethy resigned from the primary membership of the regional party on Monday.

Sethi, a two-time MLA from Khalikote in Ganjam district, today sent his resignation letter to BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He also thanked Patnaik for giving him an opportunity to work for the people of the State.

"With heavy heart, I am submitting my resignation here with immediate effect. Thank you very much Sir, for giving me an opportunity to serve under you as well as under the people of Odisha," Sethi mentioned in his resignation letter to the BJD president.

Sethy was elected as MLA from Khalikote seat in 2009 and 2014 on BJD ticket.

Also Read: Jolt To BJD, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab Quits Party

Recently, three sitting BJD MLAs- Pradeep Panigrahi, Prashant Jagdev and Arabinda Dhali- and several former MLAs quit the party and joined the BJP.

On March 25, Bhartruhari Mahtab, a six-time MP from the Cuttack Lok Sabha constituency and one of BJD's founder members, quit the party.

Odisha will vote in the Lok Sabha elections and Assembly polls, which are being held simultaneously, in four phases. The polling will be held on May 13, 20, 25 and June 1.

The votes will be counted with the rest of the country on June 4.