Bhubaneswar: A day after senior ruling party leader Damodar Rout expressed his displeasure over being sidelined and not given opportunity to speak on Mahanadi water dispute in Odisha Assembly, his son and party's State secretary, Sambit Routray today termed such attitude towards his father as unfortunate.
Speaking in favour of his father, Sambit said it is unfortunate that the vast experience of his father is not being utilised.
"One will definitely get hurt if neglected. My father has experience of over 45 years and no one has more expertise than him (Damodar Rout). His experience must be utilised and it's unfortunate if it's not," said Sambit.
On Dama Rout not being invited to the review meeting of Paradeep Assembly Constituency which he represents, Sambit said he is unaware why his father was not made a part of the review meeting.
“I don't know whether he is attending any party meeting or he is getting any invitation. It's party's internal matter," he said.
Speaking on his political future, Sambit said that it depends on BJD president and his father.
"I had got opportunities in 2009 and also in 2014. But as my father was interested, so I didn't contest election. I always respect and give priority to my father's decision. I feel proud to be the son of Damodar Rout; my first identity is that I am his son," he added.
On the other hand, BJD spokesperson Debi Prasad Mishra said that he has spoken to Damodar Rout over the issue and the former minister is never neglected by the party.