BHUBANESWAR: Day after expelling
Damodar Rout from BJD, party president and chief minister
Naveen Patnaik on Thursday dismissed corruption charges levelled against his government by the
former minister.
Briefing reporters at his residence here after returning from New Delhi, Naveen said, “Dama babu has always been making irresponsible statements. His allegations are fruitless and ridiculous.”
Earlier, defending his decision of expulsion at the national capital, Naveen said the action is being taken against him for the
anti-party activities that he has been indulging in.
To queries about the speculation that Rout along with certain other ousted BJD leaders might form a new political party to challenge BJD ahead of 2019 elections, Naveen said, “Those who want to form a new party, it was their business. It will have no impact in the state.”
Damodar, who was under fire for making corruption charges against the state government, was expelled from the BJD on Wednesday.
The seven-time legislator said he would continue to fight against corruption and save the state from corrupt forces. The 76-year old leader also targeted the chief minister.
Meanwhile, former MP Baijayant Panda met Damodar Rout at the latter’s official residence. “I had arrived today to give moral support to Damodar Rout. It was just a courtesy call and we will meet in coming days to take a decision over the party action and will inform all about the decision.”
Baijayant was also suspended from the BJD in January this year after he alleged bureaucratic highhandedness in BJD’s affair and corruption charges against the state administration.
