Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 19:

Former BJD MLA from Dharamgarh Bira Sipka today joined the Odisha Jan Morcha (OJM).

Speaking on the occasion, OJM president Pyarimohan Mohapatra said the joining of Sipka would enable his party to strengthen its base in Kalahandi and its neighbouring districts.

Dharma gada join janamorcha. (4)“Sipka has played a vital role in the development of the dalits”, Mohapatra said while welcoming the veteran leader.

“Pyari Babu was the leader of the BJD and is still my leader. I am happy and proud of joining the OJM,” Sipka said.

Taking a dig at the BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik, he said the former has turned a blind eye to the plight of the dalits and downtrodden of the state.