Damodar Rout floats new party in Biju Patnaik's name

Former Odisha minister and expelled Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Damodar Rout Friday announced formation of a new regional political party the 'Biju Samata Kranti Dal'.

Rout said the new party was named after Biju Patnaik as the BJD had "deviated" from the ideologies of the legendary leader.

Announcing the partys name at a press meet here accompanied by former Union minister and founder of Samata Kranti Dal, Braja Kishore Tripathy and Odisha Jana Morcha (OJM) chief Jagnesar, Rout hit out at the BJD government headed by Naveen Patnaik.

"The ruling party has become corrupt. Biju Samata Kranti Dal will preserve and promote the ideologies and principles of former chief minister Biju Patnaik," the Paradip MLA told reporters.

Tripathy and Jagneswar had also been expelled from the BJD in the past.

Odisha Assembly elections are due next year along with the Lok Sabha elections.

Rout was expelled from the BJD on September 12 for alleged 'anti-party' activities.

Rout had alleged irregularities in several spheres like sapling plantation, procurement of polythene sheets for Orissa State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation Limited, cooperative banks and the health sector.

The new regional party will spread wings in all 30 districts of the state, he said.

Rout's new party may affect the ruling BJD, but it will have no impact on Congress, claimed senior Congress leader Sarat Rout.

BJP state vice-president Samir Mohanty said: "Dama Babu was never with us. However, he has raised corruption issue which will get support from different quarters."