Political Shake-Up: Sujeet Kumar Leaves BJD for BJP Amid Corruption Claims
On Friday, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expelled its Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar for “anti-party activities” shortly after he resigned from the Upper House of Parliament. Kumar then joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi, with the influential presence of senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and MP Bhartruhari Mahatab, at the event, highlighting the BJP’s influence.
The BJD criticized Kumar, saying he had betrayed both the party and the people of Kalahandi, his constituency. Naveen Patnaik, BJD president and former Odisha Chief Minister, echoed this sentiment, stating that Kumar had failed the expectations of the people who elected him.
Kumar, however, defended his actions, claiming that corruption in the BJD’s administration had severely hindered Kalahandi’s development. He made serious allegations of financial irregularities involving BJD leaders and government officials, which, if proven true, could have significant implications such as legal actions, public outrage, and political repercussions. He asserted that his resignation was a bold step to address these issues and protect the interests of his constituency.
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In his resignation letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman, Kumar expressed gratitude for his opportunities to raise important issues in Parliament and thanked Patnaik for his earlier support. He also pointed out that he felt ignored and sidelined by the BJD and had been indirectly threatened with expulsion, which he found unfair since he had already resigned before the party expelled him.
This development came a month after another BJD Rajya Sabha MP, Mamata Mohanta, resigned and joined the BJP. With Kumar’s and Mohanta’s departures, the BJD’s representation in the Rajya Sabha has significantly dropped from nine to seven members, marking a significant and weighty shift in the political landscape. The party currently has no representation in the Lok Sabha.
