Bhubaneswar: Firebrand politician and expelled Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Damodar Rout might follow his former colleague and Bharatiya Janata Party’s new recruit Baijayant Panda’s footsteps.

If sources are to be believed the former seven-time Paradip MLA is likely to join the BJP soon. For this, the veteran politician has left for New Delhi today to hold closed-door meetings with senior party leaders.

With the announcement of poll dates likely anytime now, the political fever in Odisha is incrementing with every passing moment.

Former BJD MP Baijayant Panda’s inclusion into BJP has infused vigour into the saffron party’s state unit. The party has fastened its belt to give a tough fight in the simultaneous polls likely to be held next month.

Rout expelled from the party for his explosive remarks about party and his partymen forced BJD supremo to show him doors. Since then, the veterinarian-turned-politician had kept everyone guessing about his next political move.

The former minister managed to make it to headlines even after being shown the pink slip. The regional media’s controversy boy kept the journos busy scribbling his future political course. From floating another regional party to uniting the dissidents to form a credible opposition, Dama weaved it all till recently. Even grapevine had it that he would join a national party.

It remains to be seen where the septuagenarian finally settles to take his political journey further.