In a dramatic move, former Chief Minister Giridhar Gamang's wife Hema Gamang on Saturday met BJD president Naveen Patnaik at the latter's residence and expressed her desire to join the BJD. Patnaik was, however, yet to announce her entry into the BJD.
Hema Gamang, BJD sources said, wants to contest the Koraput lok Sabha seat on a BJD ticket against her husband, who is already declared as the Congress candidate for the constituency. Hema Gamang, who is a former MP and former MlA, arrived at the Naveen Nivas here accompanied by sitting Koraput BJD MP Jayaram Pangi. She had a brief discussion with Naveen Patnaik.
A former laxmipur MlA, Hema Gamang told reporters that she had earlier sent her resignation to Congress president Sonia Gandhi. "In the letter, I have stated that I have been insulted by the (State) party leadership that has no respect for senior members," she said.
She said she is interested in contesting as a BJD candidate from the Koraput Parliamentary constituency. Hema Gamang was supposed to meet Naveen Patnaik on Friday, but her flight from Delhi was late. By the time she reached Bhubaneswar, it was 8 pm and Patnaik had retired for the day. "She was asked to come on Saturday," the sources said.