New Delhi, May 26 -- Odisha Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Manmohan Samal on Tuesday welcomed former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Debashish Samantray's induction into the BJP, saying his entry would further strengthen the party in the state.

Speaking to ANI in Delhi, Samal said Samantray's long political experience and background would add to the BJP's organisational strength.

"The party will get further strengthened because he is an experienced leader and has been an MLA thrice, has been in politics for a long time, his entire family was in politics, hence his joining has strengthened the BJP," he said.

Earlier in the day, MP Debashish Samantaray met BJP National President Nitin Nabin shortly after joining the party.

During his m...