Debashish Samantaray Resigns From BJD: Odisha Rajya Sabha Seat Change

Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has quit both the Biju Janata Dal and the Upper House, shrinking the party’s parliamentary strength and fuelling political discussion in Odisha. The long-time associate of Naveen Patnaik submitted his resignation on 25 May 2026, saying the party no longer valued his contribution.

Samantaray informed BJD president Naveen Patnaik through a letter that he felt “systematically belittled” within the organisation and believed his services were no longer required. The leader described stepping away from the party as a difficult choice, but one taken in the wider public interest and after serious reflection.

Debasish Samantaray BJD resignation impacts Rajya Sabha strength

With Debashish Samantaray leaving, the BJD’s tally in the Rajya Sabha drops from six members to five. His exit follows the departures of Sujeet Kumar and Mamata Mahanta, who had earlier resigned as BJD MPs and were subsequently elected to the Upper House on BJP tickets, altering the state’s representation.

The change in party positions can be summarised as follows:

Debasish Samantaray BJD resignation followed by possible BJP move

The reshuffle has prompted strong speculation that Debashish Samantaray may join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Political observers in Odisha suggest that, if Samantaray enters the BJP, the party could back the former BJD leader for another term in the Rajya Sabha, using its growing influence in the state.

Commenting on the development, BJP MP Rabindra Narayan Behera said, "Right now in Odisha, the BJD is losing its wickets one by one. There was no good governance during the BJD rule. Everyone within that party felt suffocated. Now that the Bharatiya Janata Party's "Double Engine" government has come to power, good governance is prevailing in Odisha. It is expected that he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party. If he does join the party, whatever decision the party takes regarding him, we will welcome it wholeheartedly..."

Debasish Samantaray BJD resignation detailed in letter and statement

Soon after stepping down, Debashish Samantaray publicly confirmed the move. Samantaray said, "This morning, I tendered my resignation from the BJD. I have written to the BJD President, Naveen Patnaik, resigning from the primary membership of the party. I met the Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha today, and have also submitted my resignation from the Rajya Sabha."

In the letter dated 25 May 2026, Samantaray wrote that he had served the BJD with conviction and commitment over many years. However, Samantaray argued that remaining in the party was no longer consistent with public interest. The MP acknowledged that leaving was emotionally difficult, yet presented the decision as necessary and carefully considered.

Debasish Samantaray BJD resignation rooted in long-running dissent

Samantaray’s resignation follows a period of visible unease with the party’s internal direction. He had repeatedly claimed that, despite announcing "sanyas" from active politics, V. K. Pandian continued to shape the regional party from behind the scenes. Samantaray felt this influence affected the BJD’s internal functioning and decision-making structures.

Earlier, in November 2025, Debashish Samantaray had resigned as vice-president of the BJD senior citizens’ cell, citing dissatisfaction with how the organisation was run. Samantaray also alleged that the BJD had moved away from the ideology and principles associated with former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, signalling deeper ideological disagreements with the current leadership.

Yet, Samantaray also acknowledged support received in the past. In February last year, Naveen Patnaik had named former MLA Debashish Samantaray and party leader Subhasish Khuntia as BJD candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections. Samantaray expressed gratitude to Naveen Patnaik for nominating him and allowing service to people from undivided Cuttack district and Odisha at the national level.

Debashish Samantaray’s exit reduces BJD’s presence in the Rajya Sabha and highlights ongoing churn within Odisha’s politics. The move underscores rifts over leadership style and governance claims, while offering the BJP a possible new ally. Parties in the state will now watch how Samantaray’s next steps reshape equations in both Bhubaneswar and New Delhi.