Ending months of speculation, former Union minister and Janata Dal (S) leader Srikant Jena on Friday formally joined the Congress saying it was time for all secular forces to join hands in the country. The AICC general secretary Madhavrao Scindia was winding up his news conference at the Biju Patnaik airport here when Jena made a dramatic entry into the lounge taking those present by surprise.Scindia, chief minister Giridhar Gamang and senior minister Basanta Kumar Biswal welcomed the JD(S) leader as TV crew surrounded them.
Jena, who landed at the airport minutes earlier from Delhi, entered the lounge in dramatic fashion even as the Congress leaders were leaving the venue.
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