Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Irani Ray joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) during a programme here on Sunday.
Irani Ray had recently deserted the saffron party. She was inducted into the BJD in the presence of senior party leaders including Arun Sahoo, Manas Mangaraj and Sasmit Patra at the Shankha Bhawan.
“I was working with 100-per cent dedication for the BJP. However, the party did not acknowledge my contribution and sacrifices at all. That’s the reason I along with my supporters quit the BJP. I expect honour from the BJD towards women and party workers,” she said after joining the BJD.
Irani was a candidate from the BJP in the 2019 Assembly elections and had contested against BJD’s Arun Sahoo from the Nayagarh Assembly constituency but lost to him by a margin of 14,855 votes.
