MP Debasish Samantaray quits BJD, steps down as member of Rajya Sabha, likely to join BJP
Debasish Samantaray, a Rajya Sabha MP belonging to the Biju Janata Dal, on Monday resigned from the regional party and also stepped down from the
Debasish Samantaray, a Rajya Sabha MP belonging to the Biju Janata Dal, on Monday resigned from the regional party and also stepped down from the Upper House of Parliament, alleging that he was “systematically belittled” within the party. In a letter addressed to BJD supremo and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Mr. Samantaray said, “I have always dedicated myself to the interest of the party and have, over the years, worked for the party with utmost conviction and commitment. However, I feel that, of late, I have been systematically belittled in the party and that the party does not require my services.
Therefore, I have taken this hard decision in public interest.” ‘Always indebted’ Resigning from the primary membership of BJD, he said, “I shall always be indebted to you for nominating me to the Rajya Sabha. I take this opportunity to express my sincere and deepest gratitude to you for giving me an opportunity to serve the people of undivided Cuttack district and to raise issues of Odisha at large at the national level.” The senior leader also handed over his resignation to C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairperson. He indicated at the possibility of him joining the BJP.
Samantaray appeared to have followed in the footsteps of current Bharatiya Janata Party MP Sujeet Kumar and former Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Mohanta, who had first resigned from Rajya Sabha and subsequently joined BJP. The saffron party immediately sent the two MPs to Rajya Sabha again. Biju Janata Dal Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray quits the party. pic.twitter.com/HVT18kerd8 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 25, 2026 ‘Vested interests blocked me’ Speaking to reporters, the senior leader said, “I have been trying to meet the BJD supremo, but vested interest groups blocked my access to the [party] President.” Mr. Samantaray directedly blamed V.K. Pandian, close aide of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, for the regional party’s debacle in the last election.
He raked up the issue of Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation (BNIF), a public charitable trust named after the legendary Biju Patnaik. “The trust headed by Mr. Pandian would operate from the legendary leader’s Delhi house. It is not acceptable to me that the man who had caused maximum damage to BJD is being given priority,” said Mr. Samantaray, who had also been a three-time legislator in the Odisha Assembly.
The BriefWire