
Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab announced his resignation from the primary membership of the BJD during a press conference on Friday. He expressed his disillusionment with the party’s deviation from its founding principles of combating corruption and avoiding self-serving behavior, which had initially garnered widespread support from the people of Odisha. Mahtab cited his persistent efforts to address issues within the party, which went unheeded, as a reason for his decision to distance himself. He emphasized his desire to continue serving the public interest more independently after leaving the party.
Mahtab further explained that his decision was influenced by the stifling of his freedom to express his opinions within the party, with his views often being misinterpreted or ignored. He invoked an analogy from the Ramayan to illustrate his choice to sever ties with the party in pursuit of a better future for Odisha, highlighting his resolve to uphold certain limits of tolerance.
When questioned about his potential affiliation with the BJP, Mahtab indicated his intention to consult with his supporters and friends before making any decisions. Regarding political alliances in Odisha, he expressed relief at the dissolution of what he termed an unethical coalition, seeing it as a positive development for democracy. Mahtab admitted that his departure from the party was a difficult but necessary step, as he could no longer endure the discomfort caused by certain circumstances. Notably, his resignation followed a day after he faced charges related to an alleged altercation with a police officer, as framed by the Special Court for MP/MLAs.