Banner by tribals opposing Dama’s ouster found in Odisha’s Rayagada

Rayagada: The CPI Adivasi Sangh, an outfit claiming to be the tribal wing of CPI (Maoist), has put up a banner in Odisha’s Rayagada district opposing dismissal of Damodar Rout from Council of Ministers as Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Minister.

The outfit has termed Rout as “favourite leader” of tribals besides hailing him for his contribution towards development of tribals.

It has been mentioned in the banner that as many as 400 tribals were present at the function where Rout made remarks on Brahmins. It claimed that Rout has not commented anything against the Brahmins.

The sangh has raised question as to why Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hasn’t sacked MLAs accused in the chit fund scam.

Demanding action against those MLAs and respect for Dama Rout, the outfit has warned to launch agitation if the government fails to fulfil their demands.

On being informed, police reached the spot and seized the banner.

Notably, Rout was sacked from the post for his alleged casteist remarks at a public function.

He was often in the news for his controversial remarks, the last being on Brahmins. The BJD stalwart in his speech at the Malyabanta Mahotsav in Malkangiri recently while drawing a comparison had said that Adivasis never beg even in any adverse situation while Brahmins beg for alms if the situation so demands.

This remark had sparked severe resentment among the Brahmins, who had demanded an apology from Rout while seeking his sacking by the Chief Minister.