TNI Bureau: Senior leader and former MP Rabindra Kumar Jena has resigned from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), triggering fresh political speculation in Odisha ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Jena submitted his resignation to BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, thanking the party leadership for the opportunities he received during his political career. He is all set to join BJP tomorrow.

His exit has gained added significance as his wife, Subasini Jena, is currently a BJD MLA from the Basta Assembly constituency in Balasore district. She won the 2024 Assembly election on a BJD ticket and is considered one of the prominent legislators from the region.

Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Subasini Jena may take a stand against the party during the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, raising the possibility of cross-voting.

Though she has not publicly clarified her position, her move is being closely watched as it could influence the political dynamics surrounding the election.

Rabindra Jena, who earlier represented the Balasore Lok Sabha constituency, has been an influential political figure in north Odisha. His resignation is being viewed as a significant development that could reshape political alignments in the region aftermath his entry into BJP.