Biju Janata Dal MP Sasmit Patra speaking in Rajya Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament. | Photo Credit: ANI Expressing his desire to step down from the post of Parliamentary Party leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the Rajya Sabha, Sasmit Patra has submitted his resignation to party chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Sources within the BJD said on Wednesday that the resignation of the two-time Rajya Sabha member would pave the way for the election of another party MP to lead the regional outfit in the Upper House of Parliament. While the immediate reason for Mr. Patra’s decision remains unclear, several Rajya Sabha MPs of the party are learnt to have favoured his removal from the leadership role. The BJD currently has six members in the Rajya Sabha. Published – April 09, 2026 01:51 am IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation NTPC inks MoU with Électricité de France for cooperation in nuclear power generation Shippers seek clarity as Iran still controls Strait of Hormuz