BHUBANESWAR: Two brothers of veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Hemananda Biswal today joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The two leaders joined BJD at the Navin Nivas in the presence of chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
The chief minister welcomed them to the party and expressed hope that their joining will strengthen BJD. "Khirod Chandra Biswal and Bihari Chandra Biswal, brothers of Hemananda Biswal, ex-chief minister, along with their 60 followers of Congress from Jharsuguda assembly constituency have joined BJD today. Their joining will strengthen the party. I welcome them," Naveen said.
The Biswal brothers, however, said that they will work for the chief minister inspired by his ideology. "But, we will continue to support Hemananda as a brother," they said. Khirod Biswal said their move would not affect the family. "We have been maintaining a healthy family life.
Elder brother Hemanand Biswal is a state-level leader. He will do politics in his own style. But we will work for BJD," he said. Expressing their unhappiness over the activities of the Congress in Jharsuguda district, Bihari Biswal said they had lost confidence on the party.