Naveen Patnaik (file pic)
Two senior leaders of Odisha Jana Morcha (OJM) today joined BJD, the latest in the influx of leaders from different political outfits into the ruling party in the state.
OJM vice president Mihir Mohanty and general secretary Bhagirathi Kar met Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar and joined the regional party after quitting Pyari Mohan Mohaptra-led OJM.
"In fact, I was never formally suspended from the BJD and wish to continue working for it," Mr Mohanty, who had been a BJD member before joining OJM, said.
BJD sources said their joining will strengthen the party.
The move is being seen by political observers as a set-back to Rajya Sabha MP Pyari Mohan Mohapatra's OJM which had been formed in 2012 after his ouster from BJD following an alleged bid to topple the Naveen government.
Senior BJD leaders including party vice president Kalpataru Das were present when Mr Mohanty and Mr Kar joined the regional party.