Bhubaneswar: A day after joining BJP, senior leader Damodar Rout today expressed confidence that under the BJP government, people of Odisha will be relieved of corruption and ill-governance which has been prevalent under the present Naveen-led government.
"While the people of the State are struggling with myriad issues from farmer suicides, corruption, and insecurity of women to plight of tribals and ill-governance, the Naveen Patnaik-led government is busy spending crores of rupees for party, its leaders and workers that has led to rise of the debt burden on the State close to Rs 1 lakh crore," Rout said after arriving from New Delhi today.
Targeting the BJD, Rout said, "I joined BJP because I believed that BJP can free the people of the State from the ill-governance that has stunted the growth of the State under the ruling BJD. I hope that the public will support me in fighting for the cause and help dislodge the Naveen government."
The senior leader was accorded hearty welcome by BJP workers and his supporters at Bhubaneswar airport and was later taken to BJP State headquarters on a bike rally.
During the welcome ceremony, Rout said, "Breaking a relation of 45 years, I finally joined the BJP. 'Apana Mane Khusi Ta?' (Are you all happy), Rout said while addressing during his welcome ceremony at BJP headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
Taking a dig at the ruling-BJD, Rout said whenever Union Government and its ministers like Dharmendra Pradhan have implemented any project for the welfare of people in the State, Naveen Patnaik-led government has always tried to counter by resorting to cheap schemes just for political benefits.
"Breaking a relation of 45 years, I finally joined the BJP. 'Apana Mane Khusi Ta?' (Are you all happy)," Rout said while addressing during his welcome ceremony at BJP headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
Rout further took a jibe at CM Naveen Patnaik and alleges that the 'corrupt' leaders surrounding him have become 'Crorepatis'.
Meanwhile, senior leader & BJP vice president Baijayant 'Jay' Panda said, "After a six in first over, let us see how much we can score as we have so many overs left. Leaders, who were associated with Biju Babu & subsequently sacked, are now uniting under BJP. This will strengthen BJP in Odisha."
Earlier yesterday, after joining the saffron party in New Delhi, Rout expressed that he is keen to contest the upcoming Assembly Elections from his birthplace Balikuda-Ersama Assembly constituency in Jagatsinghpur district.
Rout clarified that he was MLA of Balikuda for 25 years and therefore wants to contest the last election of his career from his native place.
On reports about his son Sambit Routray joining the ruling-BJD, Rout alleged that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is trying to create rift in his family.
However, comments from BJD could not be obtained over the allegations.