Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra's son Arabinda Mohapatra today joined the BJD.

Arabinda joined the regional party at Naveen Niwas, the residence of BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik here, in the presence of the latter.

"I was in the need of a platform where I could serve the people of Patkura and contribute towards the area's development. After discussing with the voters of Patkura, I took the decision of joining the BJD. I thank Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for giving me this opportunity," said Arabinda after joining the party.

He was active in the Patkura Assembly constituency in Kendrapara district during the last two years. Speaking to mediapersons, he had earlier expressed desire to join politics.

Worth mentioning, Bijoy Mohapatra was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Patkura constituency, four times (1980, 1985, 1990 and 1995).