Baripada: Bijay Kumar Naik, former legislator from Karanjia Assembly constituency segment, today quitted ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). He resigned from primary membership of the party and tendered his letter written in this regard to BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik.

The former MLA alleged that he was neglected in BJD despite strengthening the party at the grassroots level during 2019 General Elections and 2022 panchayat elections in Mayurbhanj district. Even to the extent, aspirant Naik was not given a ticket by BJD to contest Karanjia in the upcoming polls.

In a press meet held among hundreds of his supporters, Naik declared that he would contest as an independent candidate in the simultaneous elections from Karanjia seat.

As the former MLA was denied a BJD ticket for 2024 General Elections, he decided to quit the party. Naik became emotional and burst into tears during the press meet.

Worth mentioning, Naik had become chairperson of Karanjia block after joining active politics. He was elected from Karanjia Assembly segment in 2009 and 2014 and belongs to Thudi tribal community.

Following his resignation, Naik took out a rally of his supporters as a show of strength.