Bhubaneswar: Breaking his long silence, senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Damodar Rout Friday held three youth leaders of the ruling party responsible for his ouster from the Council of Ministers.
In an article published in a vernacular daily Friday, the sacked minister seems to have vented his anger over his expulsion.
Expressing his views, which indirectly question the party supremo’s action against him, Rout has written that before initiating action against him (for his alleged casteist remarks against Brahmins) the party leadership did not seek any report from the Malkangiri district collector, programme organiser or party leader Ishwar Panigrahi who were present at the venue.
“Rather, I was removed on the basis of a well-planned campaign orchestrated by three irresponsible youth leaders of the party (BJD),” Rout’s article read.
Rout alleged that it was these three youth leaders who misquoted his views, leading to his expulsion from the ministry and his removal from the BJD vice-president post. Recalling his Malkangiri speech, Rout said that he only spoke about the dignity of tribal people during the meeting. “I am still unable to understand, how I have hurt the sentiments of the Brahmins,” Rout said.
Rout didn’t divulge the name and details of the BJD leaders whom he has held responsible and said that if he speaks more on this matter it may hamper the party’s unity.
On the other hand, Rout said that he is not disappointed with the action taken against him.
Speaking to the media, however, the BJD leader clarified that neither has he targeted anyone through this article nor is he trying to politicise the matter.
Rout’s reaction, meanwhile, has sparked a fresh controversy in the BJD camp. BJD spokesperson Rabi Nanda said that it was Rout’s personal view and the party has nothing to do with it.
PNN
