Ahead of the panchayat and municipal elections, the BJD here on Tuesday admitted former BJP Gajapati district president G Venkata Ravana and his associates to the ruling party fold. The event was held in the presence of Brahmapur MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Brahmapur MLA Bikram Panda, BJD State general secretary Manas Mangaraj, district president Pradeep Nayak, Paralakhemundi Princesses Kalyani Gajapati and State spokesperson Tumbanath Panda.
The BJD leaders hoped Ravana’s joining the party would strengthen its prospects in the panchayat and municipal elections.
Ravana said that because of him only, the BJP was able to win the last Assembly elections in the district and even captured the Zilla Praishad. Training his gun towards the district and State BJP leadership, he stated that some leaders are working for self-interest. Despite his great contributions to strengthen the party, he was ignored and sidelined.