Popular Odia film actor Bijay Mohanty on Thursday joined the Congress to boost the party’s prospects in Odisha in the ensuing elections. Besides, Mohanty is also tipped to be the party’s candidate for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency.
Welcoming Mohanty, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Jayadev Jena said the party had requested the veteran film star to join the Congress.
Mohanty said he loved Congress from his childhood and the party can give him an opportunity to serve the people who have given him a lot all along. The cine star said he was inspired by the simplicity and ideology of Rahul Gandhi.
Asked if he would contest the ensuing elections, Mohanty said he would contest if given a ticket. “The party will take a decision in this regard. I will prefer to contest from any Lok Sabha seat,” he said.
Jayadev Jena said he had discussed the issue of Mohanty joining the Congress with party president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Mohanty joined the Congress barely a few days after another veteran actress, Aparajita Mohanty, joined the party. She is likely to contest from Cuttack Lok Sabha seat, party sources said.
Jena said several other Odia film stars have evinced interest to join the Congress and work for the party. “You will come to know about them in the coming days,” he said.
Meanwhile, Odia film actors Sritam Das and Pinky Pradhan joined the BJP on Wednesday. Earlier, Odia film actor Anubhav Mohanty and noted comedian Papu Pom Pom had joined the ruling BJD.