Orissa: BJP leader quits, blames RSS

Senior BJP leader and former MP M A Kharabela Swain on Tuesday announced severing of ties with the party alleging undue interference and control of RSS in party affairs and said he will soon launch a new political outfit as an alternative to ruling BJD in Orissa.

"I am forced to quit BJP because of the the manner in which RSS is interfering in party affairs. The influence of RSS is so strong that stalwarts like L K Advani have lost grip over the party," Swain told reporters in Bhubaneswar.

Even new BJP president Nitin Gadkari was imposed on the party by the RSS without taking into consideration the views of senior party leaders, Swain claimed.

Swain, who won thrice from Balasore LS seat before losing in the last election, alleged that those who had ransacked his house in Balasore on April 3, were promoted by the party and those who had indulged in anti-party activities during elections were given important positions.

He said he would launch a new party within 15 to 30 days to provide an alternative to BJD and the new outfit would have considerable bearing over national politics.

The bureaucrat-turned-politician said he would consider returning to BJP in future if RSS control over the party is completely removed.

Describing Swain's move as "unfortunate", state BJP president Suresh Pujari said he has not received any resignation letter from the former MP so far.