Dama Rout urges Bijoy Mohapatra, Dilip Ray to join his party

Paradip: Senior leader Damodar Rout has urged Bijoy Mohapatra & Dilip Ray, who recently resigned from BJP, to join his new party 'Biju Samatakranti Dal.'

Rout urged the ex-BJP members to join the party so that they can together fight corruption, misrule, dynasty politics in the State and bring development.

The veteran leader also said that he spoke to Mohapatra and Ray over phone after they left BJP.

Speaking on the rumours that both leaders might join BJD, Rout said that it is not right to compromise self-respect for position and greed.  He added that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik may change his stand and policy to save his own position.

"He (CM) can change his opinion and strategy overnight to secure his position. He is now trying to bring back those whom he kicked out of the party many years ago," said Rout.

Praising Mohapatra, Rout said, "Bijay is quite clever and a seasoned politician."

On the other hand BJD spokesperson Samir Das said, "If they are interested in joining BJD once again then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who is the party chief, will take a decision."

Commenting on the resignation of the two leaders, State BJP president Basant Panda said,"There is no possibility of loss instead there are advantages."

Yesterday, Ray had resigned from his post as MLA. He met Odisha Assembly Speaker Pradip Amat and submitted the resignation letter. Soon after, Ray along with senior leader Mohapatra, in a joint letter to party president Amit Shah, tendered their resignation from primary membership of the BJP.