Odisha: Damodar Rout quits electoral politics

Bhubaneswar: BJP leader and former Odisha minister Damodar Rout today announced his retirement from electoral politics, marking the end of a 45-year-long political career.

The veteran politician’s move came after his name was not enlisted in the list of star campaigners of the BJP for the Bijepur bypoll.

Expressing resentment, the former Paradip MLA said, “No one from the BJP held discussion with me over the Bijepur bypoll. The number of party MLAs has increased from 10 to 23 in the Assembly polls, following which my presence is not necessary for them (BJP).”

“However, I will continue to remain in touch with the people after retirement and work towards their welfare,” Rout said.

Notably, Rout was expelled from the BJD in September, last year for allegedly making anti-party statements. He later joined the BJP in March, this year before the Assembly Elections in the state.