Debashish Samantaray Resigns from BJD, Writes Letter to Naveen Patnaik Senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Rajya Sabha member Debashish Samantaray has resigned from the party, citing systematic disrespect and a lack of recognition for his contributions. The decision, announced on May 25, 2026, has sent shockwaves through Odisha’s political landscape, particularly given Samantaray’s close ties to BJD president Naveen Patnaik. In a social media post, Samantaray detailed his reasons for leaving, emphasizing his long-standing dedication to the party and its cause. Samantaray, who has been a key figure in the BJD’s political machinery, stated in his post that he has always prioritized the party’s interests and served with integrity. However, he claimed that recent months have seen deliberate efforts to undermine his contributions, leaving him feeling disrespected and unappreciated. “The party no longer needs my services,” he wrote, adding that his resignation was a difficult but necessary step to protect the public interest. In a separate letter to Patnaik, Samantaray expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided to serve Odisha’s people. He highlighted his commitment to the state’s development, particularly in his constituency of Unakoti district, and pledged to continue advocating for Odisha’s issues at the national level. “I will remain a voice for the people of Odisha,” he wrote, closing with a traditional salutation to Lord Jagannath. The resignation comes amid growing tensions within the BJD, which has faced internal strife over leadership and policy decisions in recent years. Patnaik, who has been the party’s leader since 2015, has yet to respond publicly to Samantaray’s departure.#odisha #naveen_patnaik #bjd #debashish_samantaray #unakoti_district
