The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Odisha): In a move that signifies a major political realignment in Odisha, Bhartruhari Mahtab, a foundational member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and a six-time Lok Sabha MP from Cuttack, has transitioned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This development, occurring on Thursday, is viewed as a substantial setback for Odisha’s ruling party, especially with the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon.
Mahtab’s induction into the BJP was officiated at the party’s national headquarters, in the presence of a cadre of senior BJP figures including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, national vice president Baijayant Jay Panda, Odisha unit president Manmohan Samal, and other key leaders. Accompanying him in joining the BJP were former BJD MP Sidhant Mohapatra and acclaimed Santali language author Damayanti Beshra, a Padma Shri awardee in 2020.
Expressing his aspirations for the future, Mahtab highlighted his anticipation to contribute towards Odisha’s development and progress under the BJP’s banner. He cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Home Minister Amit Shah’s governance, and BJP chief J P Nadda’s inspiration as pivotal to his decision. Mahtab articulated his readiness to embark on this “new innings with a new team,” signaling a pivotal shift in his political journey.
The BJP welcomed these new members with Vinod Tawde, the party’s national general secretary, acknowledging their alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s vision and leadership, which has inspired significant changes across various sectors. This endorsement comes at a critical juncture as Odisha experiences a shifting political landscape, with the BJP poised to drive transformation in the state.
Mohapatra and Beshra, in their respective addresses, echoed a shared enthusiasm for contributing to Odisha’s development, aligning with Modi’s inclusive development ethos of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’. Beshra, in particular, pledged to focus on women’s empowerment and progress, affirming her commitment to the party’s mission.
Mahtab’s departure from the BJD, where he had been a significant figure since its inception and represented Cuttack in the Lok Sabha across multiple terms, marks a critical moment in Odisha’s political narrative. His move to the BJP underscores a broader trend of political reconfigurations in the state, setting the stage for a keenly contested electoral battle.