Hemendra Singh joins BJD

Image
Press Trust of India Bhubaneswar
Last Updated : Feb 23 2014 | 9:20 PM IST
Three days after quitting Congress, its former Nayagarh district president Kumar Hemendra Singh today joined BJD, giving the ruling party in Odisha a boost ahead of the general elections.
Singh, considered to be an influential leader from politically sensitive Nayagarh district, joined BJD along with his supporters in the presence of Chief Minister and party supremo Naveen Patnaik at the party office here.
Singh had deserted Congress on February 20 accusing Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who visited Odisha earlier this month, of "ignoring grassroots level leaders."
"I was deeply saddened when the special protection group (SPG) security of Rahul Gandhi pushed me aside during a public meeting a fortnight ago as I wanted to speak to him," Singh had said.
Singh claimed that even though he showed them his (security) pass and requested that he be allowed to meet Rahul, he was not allowed. Is it the reward for a hard working member of Congress, Singh asked.
Singh had also met Naveen Patnaik soon after quitting Congress, sources said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 23 2014 | 9:20 PM IST

Next Story