Several leaders and workers of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan. This shift in allegiance reflects the growing faith of the people in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.
Pradhan attributed the influx of members from other parties to the increasing public trust in Modi's leadership. He emphasized that Odisha is embracing change, and people are disillusioned with the BJD's lack of commitment to development and its alleged involvement in corruption.
During his election campaign, Pradhan visited the Pallahara assembly constituency and interacted with locals at a tea stall. He is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Sambalpur after a 15-year hiatus.
Odisha will witness simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections in four phases, starting from May 13th and culminating on June 1st. The results will be declared on June 4th. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJD emerged victorious with 12 seats, followed by the BJP with 8 seats and the Congress with a single seat.