Odisha polls: First BJP MLA in Odisha quits BJD, returns to saffron fold

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Mar 22, 2014 at 7:21 PM Updated On : Mar 22, 2014 at 9:14 PM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau

Bhubaneswar, Mar 22:

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Prasanna Patnaik, the first BJP MLA in Odisha, and his wife Nalini Patnaik have returned to the saffron party after quitting the ruling BJD today.

Patnaik was the first MLA of BJP, elected from the Kamakshya Nagar Assembly constituency in 1985.

“I had lost my way for someyears and had joined the BJD. However, I have returned to my parent party being inspired by Narendra Modi, who will give a strong and transparent government at the Centre,” said Patnaik.

Welcoming the former Kamakshya Nagar MLA, senior BJP leader Biswabhusan Harichandan said the return of Patnaik will strengthen the party and bolster its poll prospects in Dhenkanal district.