In Blow To BJD Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls, Odia Actor Arindam Roy Quits Party And Joins BJP

New Delhi: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) faced another setback as popular Odia actor Arindam Roy, who held the position of general secretary, resigned from the party’s primary membership on Friday and submitted his resignation to party supremo Naveen Patnaik. He joined the opposition BJP, claiming that he was sidelined by the ruling party.

Arindam Roy quits BJD and also resigns from the post of party’s general secretary. pic.twitter.com/xktZTwXhrR

— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2024

Soon after tendering his resignation, Arindam joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amidst the ongoing alliance speculation. Speaking to the media, Arindam said, “I assure that as a disciplined worker will try to take Odisha forward and fulfil the dreams of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, as per Odishatv.in.

Arindam further said, “Everybody is inspired and touched by the Prime Minister. I worked for long for the BJD and the functioning of the party is not up to the mark now. The working culture in the BJD has changed a lot and I felt that there is no scope for me to work there.”

Arindam On Deicision To Join BJP

Arindam’s decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stemmed from his perception that the party gave him the respect he sought. In his resignation letter addressed to the BJD, Arindam highlighted his extensive tenure with the party, spanning back to 2009, and his role as the party’s star campaigner since 2014.

“I have been working at the ground level as observer in various elections in Cuttack, Tirtol, Titol byelections, Koraput. But with a heavy heart, I am sorry to say that my work has not yet been recognised by you or appointed members,” wrote Arindam. 

Arindam elaborated in his resignation letter that despite his efforts to meet with the party supremo, he was unable to secure the opportunity. Expressing his frustration over the perceived lack of acknowledgment and the absence of a platform to discuss his concerns, Arindam concluded that he no longer felt aligned with the party’s ethos. Feeling marginalized and unsupported, as per PTI.

ALSO READ| ABP-CVoter Opinion Poll: Can TMC Hold Off Saffron Surge In Bengal? Here’s What Survey Says

Roy also said, “I hope you will understand my situation and not keep any grudge against me.”