A significant political development unfolded in Odisha on Monday as senior Biju Janata Dal leader and former Rajya Sabha member Amar Patnaik joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. The timing proved strategic, with the BJP organizing his induction ceremony simultaneously with former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's campaign rally for the November 11 Nuapada Assembly bypoll. The 58-year-old former bureaucrat had been a prominent BJD spokesperson and headed the party's information technology cell. He played a crucial role in the BJD's efforts to highlight alleged election data discrepancies following their defeat in the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Amar cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and commitment to national development as his reason for switching parties. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and state BJP chief Manmohan Samal welcomed him, calling his induction a major setback for the BJD.
Former Bureaucrat Joins BJP Citing Modi's Vision
Amar Patnaik, a former Indian Audit and Accounts Service officer who served as Principal Accountant General across multiple states, had taken voluntary retirement in 2018 to join the BJD. During his induction into the BJP, he expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to development and nation-building. The 58-year-old politician said he witnessed this vision during his Rajya Sabha tenure, where he served until April last year after being nominated in 2019. Despite having no direct election experience or specific support base, BJP sources indicate he will be valuable in formulating long-term party strategy. Chief Minister Majhi praised Amar's vast experience and knowledge across sectors.
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