After experiencing a whirlwind of controversy stemming from his boycott by producers in the Ollywood industry, actor Manoj Mishra made a significant decision to enter the political arena by joining the Congress party on Saturday. The Odia actor gained attention when the Utkal Cine Chambers of Commerce, represented by producer Sanjay Nayak, announced a two-year ban against him.
This move triggered a political uproar, especially after senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra publicly supported Manoj Mishra, warning that Odisha could face division if the ban on the actor was not rescinded. Speaking on his decision to join Congress, the actor expressed his commitment to continuing his career in acting for livelihood while dedicating himself to serving the people through politics. Reflecting on the past six months, Mishra revealed that he hadn’t anticipated his political involvement following the release of “Mind Game” and subsequent controversies.
Gradually immersing himself in various communities of Western Odisha, Mishra acknowledged his prior unawareness of the challenges faced by migrants and the influence of money and narcotics on elections. He credited Narasingha Mishra, a senior Congress leader, for inspiring his entry into politics. When asked about the potential impact of joining Congress on his career, Mishra emphasized the unresolved issue of labor migration in Western Odisha and his determination to address such challenges through political activism. He expressed a sincere desire to contribute to a brighter future for the people he aims to serve.