Bhubaneswar: Recently suspended Congress party leader Srikant Jena seems to be on a mission to target the party after his expulsion. He shared the dias with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal Thursday and praised Kejriwal’s work.
The Delhi chief minister also appreciated Jena and said that more good people like Jena should join AAP to reach out to and work towards the betterment of the people.
Jena, in his speech, targeted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Congress party chief Rahul Gandhi and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Niranjan Patnaik. He also lent his support to AAP but did not clearly state whether he intends to join the party.
When asked by reporters, Jena said, “AAP is not a party but a movement that I have been a part of since a long time. I extend my support to the party. There is not much difference between joining and supporting the movement. Meanwhile, I will travel around the state, interact with people and try to get their response.”
After being removed by the state Congress leadership, the former Union minister said that only Patnaiks have been ruling the state till now and there is a need to have a representation from the backward classes for the state.
Jena clarified that he is now an independent candidate and would support people who believe in the principle of social justice. Meanwhile, he is exploring his political career now and is in talks with smaller parties ahead of the general elections this year.
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