A day after quitting BJD, ex-Rajya Sabha member Mamata Mohanta joins BJP
BHUBANESWAR: A day after resigning from the Rajya Sabha and the primary membership of Biju Janata Dal (BJD), prominent tribal leader Mamata Mohanta joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday in the presence of senior party leaders in New Delhi.
Mohanta, , a leader Kudumi tribal community leader of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, embraced the saffron party in the presence of BJP national general secretary Arun Singh, Odisha in-charge Bijay Pal Singh Tomar, Odisha law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Berhampur Lok Sabha member Pradeep Panigrahi and other senior party leaders in a special event organised at party headquarters in New Delhi
After joining the BJP, Mohanta said she resigned from the Rajya Sabha membership and the BJD after she felt that she was unable to serve people of her community and others.
“As I found that I was unable to work for the welfare of my community and common people within the BJD fold, I I decided to join the BJP which is extensively working for the welfare of the people,” said Mamata.
She added, “Whatever responsibilities I’m given, I will do it with honesty and dignity,” Mohanta added.
She dismissed any conspiracy behind her leaving the BJD.
“This is my personal decision and there is no conspiracy. The decision to quit BJD came after I felt that I was not getting an opportunity to serve the people and I was being neglected.”
Commenting on Mohanta joining the saffron party, Berhampur MP Pradeep Panigrahi said, “While BJP is rising, BJD is on a downfall.”
BJD leader Sarojini Hembram accused Mohanta of ditching the Kudumi community by joining the BJP.
“Mamata Mohanta has betrayed the Kudumi community and the residents of Mayurbhanj by joining the BJP to protect her political interests. The people of Mayurbhanj will give a befitting reply to Mohanta in the coming days,” said Hembram.
