Odia film star Bijay Mohanty joins Congress

Bhubaneswar, Feb 27: Veteran Odia film actor Bijay Mohanty joined

on Thursday and is likely to contest the ensuing

.

"We welcome Bijay Mohanty. We had earlier requested the veteran film star to join the party. The party needed him," Odisha PCC president Jaydev Jena told reporters after Mohanty joined the party at Congress Bhavan here.

Jena said the party's prospects in the coming elections would be boosted with the actor joining it. Mohanty, who has worked in over 70 Odia films, said, "I love Congress and therefore joined the party. This platform can give me an opportunity to serve the people who have given me a lot all along."

I love Congress and therefore joined the party: Bijay Mohanty

Asked if he would contest the ensuing elections, Mohanty, whose name is being circulated as the probable Congress candidate from Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat, said, "The party will take a decision in this regard. I will prefer to contest from any Lok Sabha seat."

Mohanty joined Congress barely some days after another veteran actress Aparajita Mohanty joined the party. She is likely to contest from Cuttack Lok Sabha seat, party sources said.

Meanwhile, Odia film actors Sritam Das and Pinky Pradhan joined BJP yesterday. Earlier, Odia film actor Anubhav Mohanty and noted comedian Papu had joined ruling BJD.

PTI