Bhubaneswar: The Odisha unit of Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday suffered a big jolt as its President along with entire team of office bearers joined the Congress.

Trinamool state unit President Arya Kumar Gyanendra and 22 executive members joined the Congress during 'Maha Mishran Parva' held at the Congress Bhawan here.

Besides, several leaders from ruling Biju Janata Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party also joined the party, including many who were returning to the Congress after leaving it in the recent past.

Prominent among them are Kartikeswar Patra, Ashok Samal, Saraswati Hembram and Haladhar Karjee.

State Congress President Niranjan Patnaik, AICC Odisha in-charge Bhanwar Jitendra Singh and several other senior leaders were present on the occasion.

"I welcome them to the party. I am certain that their presence will further strengthen the Congress in Odisha," said Patnaik. (IANS)