BJD workers protest against former Congress leader joining their party

Party workers of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) protested in Odisha on Friday after former leader of the Congress Hema Gamang joined the BJD.

Reportedly, she sent her resignation to Congress president Sonia Gandhi stating that she was quitting following the attitude of chief of Congress Committee in Odisha towards senior leaders.

After her joining, BJD supporters took to streets and protested against her induction in the party.

"We are not opposing Biju Janata Dal. We are opposing Hema Gamang. She is now in our party. How can people accept her as she has come from Congress party?" said BJD supporter, Gopal Bag.

Gamang, who is the wife of former chief minister of Odisha Giridhar Gamang, filed her nominations from Laxmipur constituency.

"There is no rift. All the workers are with me. All the block presidents have come today. In Laxmipur elections, many people have come for our support. So, I will definitely win.

"Everything will be fine. I will work for BJD now. There would be no problem. I will request all the workers to work for us. I will go from village to village and spend entire day in that area," added Gamang.

Meanwhile, her husband said party was above any individual and downplayed Gamang's induction in BJD.

"I don't know why she left Congress party. She has left the party, but not the family. For me party comes first and then any individual. But, I don't know why she has given priority to the individual instead of party. She can explain better," said Giridhar Gamang.