Former BJD Rajya Sabha member N Bhaskar Rao has officially resigned from the party and announced the formation of a new political platform named “Biju Swabhiman Mancha.”
The move comes amid growing internal dissent and signals a potential realignment ahead of the upcoming elections.
Rao, a veteran leader and close associate of late Biju Patnaik, stated that the new forum aims to restore the original values and vision of Biju Babu, which he claims have been diluted in the current political landscape. “This is not just a political outfit, but a movement to reclaim Odisha’s pride and integrity,” Rao said during a press briefing.
Alongside him, senior leaders Lal Bihari Himirika and Gangadhar Puala also tendered their resignations from the party’s primary membership.
The Biju Swabhiman Mancha is expected to attract disgruntled leaders and grassroots workers who feel sidelined within the BJD. Sources indicate that other senior leaders may follow suit in the coming weeks.
Political analysts view Rao’s exit as a significant development, especially given his long-standing influence in southern Odisha and his organizational experience.
