Odisha Congress MLA Suresh Routray’s son Manmath joins BJD ahead of 2024 elections

In yet another jolt to the Congress, senior leader and Jatni MLA Suresh Routray’s son Manmath Routray on Wednesday joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the crucial 2024 elections in Odisha.

Manmath along with scores of his supporters and some councillors took out a rally and reached BJD headquarters where he was formally inducted into the party fold by its senior leaders.

Ahead of his joining, Manmath said that both his father Sura Routray and CM Naveen Patnaik have the same ideology; and, they want to serve the people of Odisha.

Also Read: Congress leader Sura Routray's son Manmath suspended from party

“I have several dreams and a lot of work is needed to be done. This is our third generation and my father has taught us to be with the people always. We are a committed family. My father has allowed me to join BJD with a heavy heart, but we have to accept change,” said Manmath.

Manmath had made his intention clear in 2023 to contest the 2024 polls not on a Congress ticket even though his father has been in the grand old party for decades now.

Also Read: Will not contest on Congress ticket, says Odisha MLA Sura Routray's son