Bhubaneswar, May 25 -- Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday launched a sharp attack on Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray following his resignation from the party. Senior leaders rejected his claim that he was "systematically belittled" and alleged that his move was driven by personal interests.

Reacting to Samantaray's resignation, senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik said the former MP had received several important positions during his association with the party.

"Naveen Patnaik made him an MLA, appointed him Chairman of the Film Development Corporation, made him BJD president for Cuttack district and later nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. Despite receiving all these opportunities, he chose to leave the party," she said.

Mallik alleged tha...