Odishatv Bureau

Bhubaneswar: In yet another blow to sacked minister Damodar Rout, Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik  today removed him from the post of party vice-president as well as the observer of Dhenkanal district.

The development comes barely 24 hours after he was sacked as Agriculture Minister for his alleged casteist remarks against Brahmins. "The president of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Naveen Patnaik has been pleased to relieve Dr. Damodar Rout from the post of vice-president, Biju Janata Dal as well as Observer of Dhenkanal district with immediate effect," a press release issued by the party stated.

Rout in reaction said he is least worried about the fresh development. "Minister and party vice president are both nominated posts. He (Naveen Patnaik) had nominated me as vice president. Now he lost confidence and removed me. There are many experienced office bearers like general secretaries and vice presidents having social status in the party. May be my sacking from Council of Ministers has undermined my eligibility to share stage with other ministers and office bearers which is why I have been relieved from all party posts. He may appoint other efficient leaders ahead of 2019 elections," he added.

Rout was in the eye of storm for his controversial remarks which had drawn flak. Brahmins of Mukti Mandap in Srimandira of Puri, servitors of Lingaraj temple and the Odisha Vedic Brahmana Parishad had held demonstrations against Rout in Puri and burnt his posters demanding his ouster from the Cabinet.

Addressing the inaugural function of the Malyabanta festival in Malkangiri on December 19, Rout had said that the tribals never beg..... Brahmins would beg when the situation arises.

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