Over 500 BJD, Congress leaders join BJP in Bolangir's Kantabanji

Political realignment in Bolangir: Over 500 BJD, Congress leaders join BJP Pratima Nikhandia 27 Jul 2026 13:07 IST

BHUBANESWAR — Over 500 leaders and workers from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a major induction programme in Kantabanji, Bolangir district, on Monday, giving the party a significant organisational boost in the region, according to BJP officials.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday organised a major induction programme at Kantabanji in Odisha's Bolangir district, marked by a massive motorcycle rally and a strong show of political strength. The event, organised by the BJP, featured a massive motorcycle rally and a strong show of political strength. Photograph: (OTV). During the event, around 500 leaders and workers from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress formally joined the BJP, giving the party a significant organisational boost in the region. Bangomunda Block Chairperson Ranjubala Behera, Muribahal Block Chairperson Haribandhu Meher, and Turekela Block Chairperson Puja Behera, along with their supporters, joined the BJP. Several sarpanches and samiti members of the block also joined the saffron party. Among those who joined the saffron party were Bangomunda Block Chairperson Ranjubala Behera, Muribahal Block Chairperson Haribandhu Meher, and Turekela Block Chairperson Puja Behera, along with their supporters. Several sarpanches and samiti members from the block also switched allegiance.

Who joined the BJP in Bolangir?

Ranjubala Behera said, "Over 200 members of my block have joined BJP. As I have always observed the double-engine government, I hope Bangomunda and Kantabanji blocks will progress." Haribandhu Meher stated, "The first vote I gave was to the BJP, and I have seen progress. If we want more development for this block, we can work together and achieve it." All quoted statements were attributed by the BJP to the leaders who joined the party.

What did BJP leaders say about the induction?

Kantabanji MLA Lakshman Bag claimed that more than 1,000 people had left the BJD and Congress to join the BJP, expressing confidence that the party would become stronger in the region.

BJP Odisha President Manmohan Samal described the event as a memorable day for Odisha. He said, "Three chairmen from Kantabanji Assembly and a large number of sarpanches have joined the party." Samal further expressed confidence that the development of Odisha will gain more momentum.