Senior BJD leader and former minister Bikram Keshari Arukha has strongly denied speculation that he is set to join the BJP, calling the rumours “baseless gossip and false news.”
Speaking to the media on Sunday evening, Arukha declared unequivocally: “I was in BJD, I am in BJD, and I will remain in BJD.” He emphasised that he is a founding member of the party and has worked with complete sincerity since its inception.
“I am currently a member of the BJD’s Political Affairs Committee. Due to some personal inconveniences, I could not attend one or two meetings. If anyone is interpreting this as me leaving for another party, it is completely unfounded,” he said.
Arukha, who served as a Cabinet Minister during the BJD regime, has maintained a relatively low profile in party activities since the party lost power. His repeated absence from key BJD programmes and Political Affairs Committee meetings had fuelled intense speculation about a possible shift towards the BJP. However, the veteran leader has now put those rumours to rest with a clear and categorical statement.
Speculation Grows Over Bikram Arukha’s Possible Entry Into BJP
