This Odisha leader wants his son to carry political legacy forward

Bhubaneswar: Amidst much debate on dynasty politics across the country, senior Congress leader Suresh Kumar Routray has revealed his wish to see one of his son joining politics to serve people of Odisha.

Putting all speculations to rest, the Jatni MLA announced his youngest son Manmath Routray as his political heir-to-be after his retirement from politics.

“As the Captain of Air India, Manmath is visiting almost all the countries. But, he has immense interest to work for people here in Jatni,” Routray told media.

Captain Manmath Routray, who has been working with India’s flag carrier airline since years, had contributed a lot in campaigning for his father during last year’s Assembly elections in Odisha. If Routray retires from politics in next election, Manmath may carry his political legacy forward.

“In a month, Manmath is carrying out his duty on flights for 20 days and he is spending remaining 10 days with me and people of my constituency in Jatni. Irrespective of his choice to fly in the sky, he is humble and intelligent. He can manage everything well,” the legislator said.

However, he denied to force his son to follow his political ideology.

“I don’t know which party my son will chose in future, but I will remain in Congress and will die being recognised as the Congressman. Whether its nation, state or my constituency, the development has been made because of Congress. However, as long as I know my son, he will never go anywhere leaving me or my party,” Routray said adding “My blood will always serve people of my constituency remaining in Congress.”