Bhubaneswar, Aug 1: Former Rajya Member Mamata Mahanta, who quit her Upper House seat and BJD prime membership yesterday, joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today.

BJP national general secretary Arun Singh welcomed Mahanta with the party shawl, cap, and bouquet in the presence of Mayurbhanj MP Ananta Nayak, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and other leaders at the BJP office in New Delhi. 

Mahanta, while quitting the BJD yesterday, said she was being neglected. She had sent her resignation letter to BJD president Naveen Patnaik. 

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ideology has inspired me. I joined the BJP to serve the people of Mayurbhanj and my State," Mahanta said. 

Mahanta said she didn't get an opportunity to serve people when she was in the BJD.

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