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Bhubaneswar: Tension prevailed at Sishu Bhawan square here as Brahmana Mahasangha intensified its protest against sacked Minister Damodar Rout demanding his ouster from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for his derogatory remarks against Brahmin community.
The Brahmins who also demanded unconditional apology from the former minister are scheduled to take the rally to his residence. In view of any possible eventuality, security was tightened outside his official residence. Police also detained some protesters at Sishu Bhawan square during agitation.
Also Read: Sacked minister Damodar Rout’s wings further clipped
“Damodar Rout should get purified by shaving his head outside Srimandira and taking dip in Puri sea. He should also seek excuse by prostrating before Brahmins. Naveen Patnaik is the beloved leader of Odisha and he should immediately remove such a nasty politician from the party. We will continue our agitation until he is dismissed from the party. Rout will also face stiff protest from us during BJD’s foundation day to be observed in Puri,” said Mahasangha advisor Sriguru Sri Sitaram Satpathy.
Earlier in the morning, Minister Prafulla Samal visited Rout’s house. Samal clarified that he had discussed about the issue with him as the Observer of Jagatsinghpur district ahead of party’s foundation day. “He (Dama) is a senior leader of our party. As the Observer of his district, I discussed with him about foundation day. He is a disciplined leader of BJD. I hope he would never do anything which would hamper party’s interest,” Samal said.
Rout, who was sacked from the Council of Ministers on Friday for his casteist remark against Brahmins, was also relieved from the post of BJD vice president and Observer of Dhenkanal district yesterday.
The 75-year-old leader triggered sharp reaction across the State for remarks against Brahmins at a function on December 19 following which Brahmin Mahasangha was up in arms demanding his immediate removal from the Council of Ministers. Various Brahmin communities had staged demonstration at different places to press their demand.
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