Six-time MP and BJD stalwart Bhartruhari Mahtab on Friday resigned from the primary membership of the regional party with a ‘heavy heart’.

Mahatab, whose late father Harekrushna Mahatab, was State’s Chief Minister during early days of independence, is lauded across party lines for informative parliamentary debates.

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He was the recipient of the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award 2017, Sansad Ratna Award 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 for his outstanding performance in parliamentary debates.

Mahtab, who often refused to take orders from anyone other than Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, had a track record for grabbing headlines for outspokenness and pointing out flaws in the party’s functioning.

“I thought it better to quit the party with a heavy heart as it (BJD) had deviated from the principles on which it had been formed,” Mahatab said.

The 6-time MP Mahatab resigned from primary membership of the party as he was being sidelined and ignored by those flaunting proximity to Chief Minister Patnaik.

“There is a limit to tolerance,” said Mr Mahtab while citing the epic Ramayan where even Lord Ram lost his patience when the ocean stood as an impediment in reaching Sri Lanka.

“I had raised several issues to try and set the party on the right track, but was criticized and sidelined. An ‘Asura Shakti’ has taken firm grip over the BJD party and government,” he charged.