Odisha Assembly Speaker, 2 ministers resign; Cabinet reshuffle likely soon

In an unexpected development, the Odisha Assembly Speaker and 2 ministers resigned in quick succession on Friday - a move that could pave the way for a probable reshuffle in the Odisha Cabinet soon.

Bikram Keshari Arukha resigned from the post of Speaker citing personal reasons. 

Soon after, two ministers tendered their resignation. Minister Samir Ranjan Dash, who held the School & Mass Education portfolio resigned. Moreover, Labour Minister, Srikant Sahu also tendered his resignation on Friday.

Speaking to reporters while announcing his decision, Arukha said "'I have sent my resignation to the Deputy Speaker.

"I have always carried out every responsibility assigned to me by the party and will continue to do so in the future. I will discharge every responsibility assigned to me by the party or in the government," Arukha said to media persons in Bhubaneswar. 

According to sources, this development could be a hint toward a probable reshuffle in the Odisha Cabinet.

Following his resignation, Samir Dash said he wants to focus on the organization of the party and he had requested the CM for the same. 

"Resigned to focus more on organisational duties, had requested the Chief Minister for the same," said Samir Dash.

Similarly, commenting on his decision to resign as minister, Srikant Sahu said "Less than a year left for the elections; I resigned to spend more time in carrying out organisational duties of the party."