Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday said the corruption allegations levelled by expelled Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Damodar Rout were ridiculous.
“Dama babu has always been making irresponsible statements. His allegations are fruitless and ridiculous,” Patnaik said.
About speculation that Rout may form a new political party ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections along with other ousted party leaders, Patnaik said: “Those who want to form a new party, it is their business. It will have no impact in the state.” Rout was expelled from the BJD Wednesday for what was deemed to be anti-party activities.
Prior to his expulsion, the veteran leader had levelled corruption allegations against the state government. He also questioned the style of functioning of the BJD.
Meanwhile, Damodar Rout said Patnaik should be unseated at the earliest. “Naveen is now working contrary to the principles of Biju Babu to save his position which must be hurting the great man. It will be auspicious for the people of Odisha if the Chief Minister is unseated at the earliest,” Rout said.
He also raised question on BJD’s “equidistant stance” from both the Congress and the BJP. “There is no such policy. Though the BJD claims that it maintains equal distance from both, Patnaik supports the NDA in their time of need.”
The 75-year-old Rout has dismissed any possibility of joining either the Congress or the BJP or even the left parties following his expulsion from the BJD. However, he also did not make it clear if he had plans to float any new political outfit ahead of the elections.
“I can assure you that I am not joining the Congress, BJP or Left parties. However, I will contest the next elections as long as the people of Paradip want me to,” Rout said. “I will reveal next course of action in days ahead.”
Former MP Baijayant Panda met Rout at the latter’s official residence Thursday to “give him moral support”. He said: “It was just a courtesy call and we will meet in coming days to take a decision with regard to the party’s action and will inform all about the decision,” Panda said. Panda had resigned from the BJD May 28 following his suspension from the party January 24.
OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik, meanwhile, referred to the expulsion of Rout from the BJD as an internal matter; nonetheless, he sought a probe of the Paradip MLA’s allegations regarding scams. “Let the government say that Rout’s allegations are false,” Niranjan Patnaik said.