KalingaTV News Network
Bhubaneswar: Seeming unperturbed by his recent removal as a cabinet minister as well as from all other party posts over his casteist remark against ‘Brahmin’ community, senior BJD leader Damodar Rout today claimed that he is a Biju loyalist and would remain so for the rest of his life.
In his exclusive interview to Kalinga TV, Dama otherwise known for his flat out statements opined that selection of ministers for the Cabinet is Chief Minister’s prerogative and Naveen just did that by removing him. However, he ruled out any resentment over the recent action.
Answering a question whether he has any plans to float a new political party teaming up with an otherwise ‘unwanted’ leader of BJP and once a Biju loyalist Bijoy Mohapatra, Dama answered in negative and maintained that he is not a defectionist.
“I am a follower of late Biju Patanik for last 43 years and working towards fulfilling all his dreams whereas the BJD would celebrate only its 20th foundation day on December 26,” Dama said launching a veiled attack against the party president over the action.
Even going a step forward the senior leader said if Naveen thinks he is not eligible to be a minister and an observer and more qualified leaders are there in the party then it is well and good.
Notably, Dama was removed as a Cabinet Minister by CM Naveen Patnaik on Friday after he gave derogatory remarks against ‘Brahmin’ community during a public meeting at Malyabanta Mahotsav in Malkangiri recently. He was also ousted from the post of Observer of Dhenkanal District a day after.
Kalinga AI