Giving a major jolt to the ruling BJD, State secretary of its student wing, Biju Chhatra Janata Dal, Sangram Keshari Patra along his many followers joined the BJP at a special function organised here on Saturday.
BJP senior leaders Biswabhusan Harichandan, Manmohan Samal and Surama Padhi were present at the welcoming ceremony. BJP State Yuva Morch president Umakant Patnaik, Bhubaneswar unit president Biswaranjan Badajena and party spokesperson Sameer Mohanty welcomed Pati to the party. Pati said he joined the BJP after being influenced by the ideology of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Besides, noted singer Panchanan Nayak also joined the party.