MASTERSTROKE? Take a look at the overwhelming response Jay Panda got in Odisha after joining the BJP

Former Kendrapara MP from the BJD Jay Panda who joined the BJP on March 4 has found overwhelming support from his constituency following his joining the party.

After holding his first rally in the district after he joined the party, BJP tweeted thanking the people for the support.

"Yesterday's huge rally and public meeting to welcome me after i joined BJP. I can never forget your love, affection & support, Kendrapada," he tweeted.

As per the National Approval Ratings for Odisha, things are looking for the BJP in the state.

READ | BJD no more supports BJP on policies which are in national interest : Baijayant Jay Panda

The survey for March says that BJP is likely to make inroads claiming in Odisha by bagging 12 out of the 21 seats. The BJD is likely to get only nine seats.

This time around, however, the National Approval Ratings project that the NDA will win the most seats in the state - 12 - whereas the BJD will manage to win only 9. More so, in terms of vote-share, the NDA is projected to win 34.5% of the votes while the BJD is projected to win 30%. The Congress is projected to be the biggest loser in the state, with zero seats despite a 25.6% vote-share.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJD had got 20 seats. 

Panda on Friday said thanked BJP chief Amit Shah for making him Vice President & Spokesperson. He also assured that he will do his best towards the party's continued success and work under Narendra Modiji's leadership for a new India.

"I'm deeply grateful to BJP President Shri Amit Shahji for appointing me Vice President & Spokesperson. I seek the support and cooperation of all colleagues. I shall do my best towards the party's continued success and work under Narendra Modiji's leadership for a new India," he said.

BJP president Amit Shah's decision to give him an important organisational responsibility signals the importance the party has given him as it looks to improve its tally in the eastern state during the coming Lok Sabha polls. Panda, who owns an Odisha-based media group, had quit the Biju Janata Dal last year and also resigned from his Lok Sabha membership following his suspension from the regional party headed by state's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Soon after his admission to the party, he tweeted his first post as the BJP leader. Here is what it says:

"Nine months of introspection & widespread consultations w/colleagues & public. Grateful for support received from all over. On auspicious #MahaShivratri I've decided to join @BJP4India & work under the leadership of @narendramodi Ji to serve Odisha & India to the best of my ability."

READ | National Approval Ratings: In Odisha, Danger Signs For Naveen Patnaik And BJD With BJP Projected To Make Huge Gains In The 2019 Lok Sabha Elections