Bhubaneswar, Sep 9 (PTI) Former MP N Bhaskar Rao and ex-minister Lal Bihari Himirika quit the BJD in Odisha on Tuesday and floated a new outfit – the Biju Swabhiman Manch (BSM).

Several local BJD members, including former Rayagada Zilla Parishad chairman Gangadhar Puala, joined the outfit named after Odisha stalwart Biju Patnaik.

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty told a press conference here that Rao and Himirika’s resignation will have no impact on the party.

“The BJD is strong under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership,” he asserted.

Rao’s decision was likely triggered by the BJD’s appointment of Jagannath Saraka as the new district president of Rayagada.

“The BJD has appointed a defeated leader as the district president, ignoring capable ones. This has hurt the sentiments of party workers. We are not against Naveen Patnaik, and have been loyal soldiers of the party all along,” Rao said.

“We have no intention of joining either the Congress or the BJP. BSM is a social platform, and it will work for the development of Rayagada. Leaders from all parties are welcome here,” he added.

The BJD spokesperson said that although the party gave Rao “considerable importance”, he quit when it was out of power. PTI AAM AAM RBT