Former Balasore MP Rabindra Jena has resigned from the primary membership of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), marking a significant development in Odisha politics on March 10, 2026.
In a letter addressed to BJD supremo and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Jena cited “personal reasons and circumstances” for his decision, while expressing gratitude to the party leadership and workers for their past support.
The resignation comes amid speculation linking it to the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, where BJD’s arithmetic in the Odisha Assembly could be impacted. Jena’s wife, sitting MLA Subasini Jena from Basta constituency, has hinted at potential cross-voting, stating that “time will tell” whom she supports in the polls rather than strictly following party lines. Sources indicate that several supporters and public representatives may accompany Jena if he proceeds with a switch.
Political Background and Speculation
Rabindra Kumar Jena, who represented Balasore in the Lok Sabha from 2014 to 2019 on a BJD ticket (losing to BJP’s Pratap Chandra Sarangi in 2019), has long been a prominent figure in Balasore district politics. He previously served as district BJD president and faced past controversies, including CBI questioning in connection with the Odisha chit fund scam during his tenure.
Reports suggest Jena is likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as early as Wednesday, March 11, 2026, possibly at the party’s state office in Bhubaneswar.
This move aligns with ongoing internal churn in the BJD following its loss of power in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections, where BJP ended the party’s 24-year rule.
The development has intensified discussions about potential shifts in loyalties ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls, with observers noting that Subasini Jena’s vote could prove crucial in tight calculations.
