New Delhi: In a setback to Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the rebel Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Prasanna Acharya was on October 29 recognised as leader of the BJD Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha.

"Acting on the unanimous resolution submitted by six BJD Members of Parliament (MPs), Speaker Manohar Joshi has recognised me as leader of the Parliamentary Party and Bhatruhari Mahatab as chief whip," Acharya said.

Acharya, who is away in his constituency in Orissa, said by telephone that a communication about the Speaker's decision was received on October 29.

PTI