Veteran Odia film actor Bijay Mohanty joined opposition Congress on Thursday. He is likely to contest the ensuing general elections as the party’s candidate for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency. The actor joined the party at the Congress Bhavan here in the presence of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Jayadev Jena and party’s newly-elected Rajya Sabha Member Ranjib Biswal. Talking to presspersons Mr. Mohanty said Congress was the party he loved, and expressed hope that it can provide him an opportunity to serve the people. Veteran actress Aparajita Mohanty had joined Congress recently. She is likely to contest from Cuttack Lok Sabha seat.
Odia actor Sritam Das and actress Pinky Pradhan had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday. Odia film actor Anubhav Mohanty and well-know comedian Papu had joined ruling Biju Janata Dal a few months ago.
Film actors joining political parties is not a new in Odisha. Popular film star had Siddhanta Mohapatra had joined the BJD before the 2009 elections polls and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat.
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In the past, veteran Odia actor Prashanta Nanda had joined the BJP and was elected to the State Assembly. He is currently a legislator of the BJD after his entry into the Assembly on a Nationalist Congress Party ticket.