Damodar Rout hints new party under name of Biju Patnaik

Expelled BJD leader and Paradip MLA Damodar Rout Wednesday hinted at coming together of many loyalists of former chief minister Biju Patnaik to form a new party in the name of the legendary leader.

Rout, who was expelled from the ruling BJD on September 12 over anti-party activities, hoped the formation of the new political party would be finalised by the October end.

"Many Biju Patnaik loyalists are coming together to float a new regional party ahead of the 2019 elections. We hope a new political outfit having the name of Biju Patnaik is likely to be finalised by end of October," he said talking to reporters.

Rout further said that the proposed party will basically be formed to accommodate all the Biju Patnaik loyalists who have worked and associated with the legendary leader.

"There is hardly any leader in the ruling BJD now even as the regional party has been named after Biju Patnaik," Rout said adding that he has been contacting Biju Patnaik loyalists for the proposed party.

Asked with whom he had so far talked to, Rout named former Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda and former minister Prafulla Ghadai. On Naveen Patnaik's arch-rival Bijay Mohapatra, the Paradip MLA said that he (Bijay) has not so far been accessible.

However, Rout made it clear that the new party will certainly have the name of Biju Patnaik to fight against the ruling Biju Janata Dal headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Assembly poll in Odisha is due early next year coinciding with the general election. Rout said "It will be real Biju loyalists Vs duplicate Biju followers. Even Naveen Patnaik has not worked with Biju Patnaik."

The Paradip MLA was expelled from the BJD some days after party workers from Balikuda-Erasama assembly segment in Jagatsinghpur district lodged complaint against Rout.

Meanwhile, BJD vice-president and minister S N Patro ridiculed Rout's statement.

Former MP Baijayant Panda in his twitter handle said: "Getting queries about comments of Sr leaders re a new party. I am meeting various ppl & discussing the future of Odisha politics. I remain open to ALL options. As & when I take a decision about my future course, the public will hear it from my mouth, not thru anyone else."