Bhubaneswar, March 4 -- In the run-up to the crucial general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Dal (BJP) is gaining strength with top leaders from the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) joining the saffron camp. This time, former minister and sitting MLA from Telkoi constituency Premananda Nayak and former Dhamnagar MLA and BJD's rebel leader, Rajendra Das on Monday joined the BJP at a special programme held in Bhubaneswar.

The development assumes much significance as earlier Arabinda Dhali, a five-time MLA, switched to the BJP in Bhubaneswar at the party's headquarters on Sunday. Dhali had earlier quit the BJD and announced to change camp.

Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal said, "Those who are blinded by power and neglecting the interest of ...