Bhubaneswar, July 19: Senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and former minister Bikram Kesari Arukh has dismissed rumors regarding his departure from the regional party. He affirmed his commitment to continue working under the leadership of party president Naveen Patnaik.
In a video message released on Sunday, Arukh stated that he is a founding member of the BJD and considers Naveen Patnaik his preferred leader, with the BJD being his favorite party. He emphasized his dedication to the party since its inception.
Arukh clarified, “Today I heard through various media outlets that I am going to join another party. This is merely a rumor and holds no truth. I was, am, and will always be with the BJD.”
As a member of the BJD’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC), Arukh noted that his absence from one or two PAC meetings had sparked speculation about his potential switch to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“I am a member of the PAC and regularly participate in its meetings. Due to personal reasons, I could not attend one or two meetings. If this has led to speculation that I am upset or dissatisfied, such claims are completely baseless,” he stated.
This clarification comes amid rumors in some media circles about Arukh’s possible entry into the ruling BJP. It is important to note that the regional party has seen several senior leaders resign following its defeat in the 2024 assembly elections.
Meanwhile, when asked about the potential entry of Arukh into the ruling party, BJP’s state president Manmohan Samal previously told reporters that he had no information on the matter. However, he added that the doors of the ruling party are open to everyone.
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