Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], In a significant development in the political scene of Odisha, Odia actor Rudra Panigrahi officially joined the Bij Janata Dal (BJD) in Bhubaneswar. Expressing his commitment to the party during a press conference, Panigrah highlighted his long tenure. Stating his enduring association with the BJD, he said both he and his wife Zeena Samal are actively engaged as star campaigners. He reiterated his dedication to take Odisha forward culturally. Panigrah commented, “The work done by BJD in Odisha inspired me to take this step." Underscoring his appreciation towards the party's initiatives aimed at the progress of the state, Panigrahi stressed his aspiration to contribute to the culture promotion of Odisha, in sync with the BJD's vision for the state. Panigrahi's party While welcoming the BJD leaders, he expressed confidence that his alliance with the party would strengthen its prospects in the upcoming elections. During the official induction ceremony, Panigrahi expressed his support and guidance to the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik and other BJD leaders. Panigrahi also lauded CM Patnaik's initiatives for the welfare of the state's youth, saying, "I see a new Odisha." He made the comments reflecting the positive changes underway in the state. The actor's decision to join BJD comes ahead of the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha.Elections will be held in multiple phases from May 1 to June 1, with votes being counted on June 4. In the 2019 assembly elections, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) won 112 out of 146 seats, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 23 seats. Won and Congress won 23 seats. Won 9 In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) won the majority of seats in the state, while BJP and Congress won. BJD won 1 seat, BJP stood second on 8 seats and Congress got just one seat.