Three former MLAs join BJP

Bhubaneswar: Three former legislators of Odisha on Sunday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party office here.

The former MLAs –Ramamurty Mutika, Gurucharan Tikayat and Kumarbar Behera – were inducted into the saffron party in the presence of several senior leaders of BJP. The trio represented Gunupur, Dharmasala and Bhatli constituencies respectively.

The leaders said they joined the party being inspired by the leadership and good works of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Besides, Khurda Zilla Parishad (ZP) member Sangram Keshari Paikray also joined the BJP.

Paikray had tendered his resignation from ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday.

In addition to this, over 50 members of BJD, Congress and AAP also joined the BJP.

Several BJP leaders including state unit president Basant Panda, Union Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan were present during the induction ceremony.

Pradhan said the induction of the leaders would strengthen the party.