Jharsuguda MLA and State Congress vice-president Naba Kishore Das has again made a U-turn on his decision not to quit the party. Latest reports say Das is likely to join the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on January 24 when Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik would visit Jharsuguda district.
Attending a meeting in Samasingha gram panchayat of Kolabira block in the district on Sunday, Das said he would contest the 2019 elections as a BJD candidate.
“People of Jharsuguda have urged me to fight from the BJD and I will do what my people want,” said Das.
Sources said Chief Minister Patnaik would visit Amalipali in Jharsuguda district on January 24 to address a meeting. The CM would formally make an announcement about induction of Das into the BJD.
On the occasion, the CM would launch a cancer hospital, a drinking water supply project, a modern diagnostic centre and a pathology centre and the Choukipada railway over-bridge.
In another development concerning the State Congress on Monday, the party’s Salepur MLA Prakash Behera is also likely to quit the party. Behera reiterated his earlier remark that the BJD Government is “doing well” and the BJD is in a “strong position” in the State.
But he would decide whether to contest next elections after “the party high command” takes a decision about it. When questioned which “party high command”, he didn’t reply.
In reaction about Das quitting the party, Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik said he has no information regarding the matter, but he has heard about it.
However, it would have no impact on the Congress. Now, there is lack of ideology in politics. Leaders are changing parties due to their business interests, Patnaik remarked.