Bhubaneswar, May 25: The Biju Janata Dal on Monday strongly criticised Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray after he resigned from the party, rejecting his allegations of being “systematically belittled” and accusing him of pursuing personal interests behind his political move.

Reacting sharply to Samantaray’s exit, senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik said the former MP had been given several important responsibilities and positions by the party leadership over the years.

“Naveen Patnaik made him an MLA, appointed him Chairman of the Film Development Corporation, named him BJD president for Cuttack district and later sent him to the Rajya Sabha. Despite getting so many opportunities, he decided to leave the party,” Mallik said.

She further alleged that Samantaray’s decision to align with the BJP was motivated by personal considerations and an attempt to safeguard his interests.

“The BJP runs a ‘washing machine’, and perhaps he believes it will clean up his problems. He remains in an inebriated state most of the time. He may have been involved in certain unlawful activities and is now turning to the BJP to get relief. He may also think that joining the BJP will help his business interests,” she alleged.

Responding to Samantaray’s claim that he felt neglected and insulted within the BJD, Mallik said public representatives are elected to serve people and not expect favours from the party.

“He was elected as an MP to serve the people, not to seek service from the party. He was sent to the Rajya Sabha to raise Odisha’s concerns and contribute to the development of the state. Why should the party serve him? MLAs and MPs are meant to work for the people of Odisha. One cannot continue to enjoy power, position and respect from the party while refusing to work for either the organisation or the public,” she said.