Subhashree Panda, wife of wanted Maoist Sabyasachi Panda, today joined Ama Odisha Party along with over 100 of her women supporters. Subhashree, who was set free from jail in 2012, said she would like to contest the ensuing assembly elections from Ranpur segment in Nayagarh district.

She was arrested and jailed for two years for her alleged links with the out-lawed CPI-Maoist party but was subsequently acquitted of the charges in 2012. Sabyasachi's father and Subhshree's father-in-law Ramesh Panda had represented the Ranpur assembly constituency thrice on the CPM ticket.