Former Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray returned to Odisha on Wednesday after formally joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and made strong remarks about the future of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the State.

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Speaking to reporters after arriving at the airport in Bhubaneswar, senior leader Samantaray said he would not engage in “showmanship” before the media but claimed that people in Odisha would soon witness the political consequences of his decision to join the BJP.

Samantaray hinted that his switch to the saffron party could significantly impact the BJD’s political standing in the State. When asked whether he hoped to return to Rajya Sabha in the future, the former parliamentarian said that everything depends on the blessings and wishes of Lord Jagannath. He added that if destiny permits, he could once again represent Odisha in the Upper House of Parliament.

“I will not engage in showmanship before the media, but people in Odisha will soon witness the political consequences of my decision to join the BJP.” When asked if he will return to Rajya Sabha in the future, the former parliamentarian said, “Everything depends on the blessings and wishes of Lord Jagannath.”

The political development triggered sharp reactions from the BJD leadership. Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo strongly criticised Samantaray for leaving the regional party and joining the BJP. Addressing a gathering during the BJD’s women’s rights campaign in Jajpur, Sulata Deo said the departure of such leaders would only strengthen the party internally.

Using a fitness analogy, Sulata Deo remarked that when excess fat is removed through exercise, the body becomes fit and healthy. According to her, the BJD would similarly become “slim and trim” after the exit of leaders who no longer remained committed to the party’s ideology. She also alleged that Samantaray had not genuinely fought for public welfare and instead has shifted allegiance for personal and business interests.

The exchange of sharp political statements has intensified discussions in Odisha’s political circles, especially ahead of the future electoral strategies and leadership realignments. Samantaray’s move from the BJD to BJP is being seen as another significant development in the changing political dynamics of the State.