Debashish Samantaray has resigned as a Rajya Sabha member and from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)’s primary membership, citing systematic belittling within the organisation.
Samantaray’s resignation comes after the BJD lost power in Odisha in June 2024, ending a 24-year rule.
With Samantaray’s exit, the BJD now has five lawmakers in the Rajya Sabha.
Samantaray, 66, a three-time assembly member, was elected to the Rajya Sabha in February 2024.
In his resignation letter, Samantaray alleged that he was increasingly ignored and undervalued, and that the party did not require his services.
