Sunita Biswal, daughter of late Odisha Chief Minister Hemananda Biswal, rejoined the Congress party on July 10, 2025, after resigning from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
The rejoining ceremony took place in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Charan Das and senior leader Jayadev Jena.
Sunita’s return to Congress marks a significant shift in Odisha’s political landscape, as she accused the BJD of treating her like a “stepdaughter” and using her solely for crowd mobilisation. Sunita, who left Congress in 2019 to join BJD ahead of the general elections, contested the Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat on a BJD ticket but lost to BJP’s Jual Oram by a significant margin. She polled 2,76,991 votes against Oram’s over 5 lakh votes.
In 2024, BJD did not field her, prompting her disillusionment. “Naveen Babu called me to join BJD, but I was only used to gathering crowds. I wasn’t given opportunities to work, and even putting up posters required permission,” Sunita said, criticising BJD’s lack of respect for women despite its “women empowerment” rhetoric.
BJD leader Pramila Mallik refuted Sunita’s claims, stating, “Her soul was always with Congress. Even if she had become an MP, she would have left.” Sunita, however, emphasised her family’s deep ties with Congress, saying, “I’ve returned to my political home.”Her rejoining comes as Congress intensifies its efforts to strengthen its base in Odisha.
Bhakta Charan Das welcomed Sunita, highlighting her commitment to the party’s values. Political analysts view her move as a potential boost for Congress, especially in Sundargarh, where her family holds influence. Sunita’s allegations against BJD also expose internal rifts within the party, which could impact its image ahead of future elections.
As Odisha’s political dynamics evolve, Sunita Biswal’s return to Congress underscores her intent to carry forward her father’s legacy while challenging BJD’s dominance. Her move may inspire other leaders to reconsider their political affiliations, setting the stage for a renewed Congress campaign in the state.
