Odisha MP Sujeet Kumar resigns from Rajya Sabha, BJD expels him from party; joins BJP

Former BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar joined the BJP on Friday in the presence of senior party leaders, including Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh, and Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar. This move followed Kumar's expulsion from the BJD earlier in the day for "anti-party activities" and his subsequent resignation from the Rajya Sabha.

Kumar, who had been a Rajya Sabha member since 2020 after being elected as a BJD candidate, expressed his gratitude to BJD president and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik for his previous role. In his resignation letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman, Kumar stated he made the decision “consciously” and thanked the House for the opportunity to raise public issues. Kumar's departure from the BJD was confirmed with immediate effect, as per Patnaik's order, who stated Kumar had let down both the party and the people of Kalahandi.

At the BJP headquarters in Delhi, Kumar explained his decision to join the saffron party, citing admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India's development and his belief that Odisha could have advanced further without prevalent corruption and poor policies. He also expressed his desire to strengthen the BJP and contribute to the country’s progress.

Union minister Pradhan welcomed Kumar into the BJP fold, expressing confidence in his ability to support Modi's vision. BJP chief spokesperson Anil Baluni described Kumar as a significant addition to the party.

This development follows a similar recent event where Kudumi community leader Mamata Mohanta resigned from the Rajya Sabha and the BJD, only to be elected unopposed to the Upper House as a BJP MP.