Dama Rout’s Delhi visit fuels rumours of joining BJP

Bhubaneswar: Senior leader Damodar Rout is currently in Delhi and if rumours are to go by, the former minister is likely to join the BJP in a day or two. Although no confirmation has been received from the concerned sources, speculations are rife, fuelling discussions on the impact of such a move by Dama Rout.

Talks are abuzz that Rout is being accompanied by Odisha BJP legislature party leader, KV Singh Deo and may possibly hold closed-door meetings with the BJP leadership.

Rout, known for being outspoken and making controversial remarks during his stint in the BJD, meanwhile has been silent over the matter which has further added fuel to the flames. Political pundits are of the view that Rout’s induction into BJP might further strengthen the saffron party's poll prospects in Odisha.

It may be noted that Rout was dismissed from BJD on September 12, 2018. Soon after his dismissal, talks did rounds that Rout was attempting to unify several Biju Babu loyalists under one umbrella to build an anti-BJD front.

Later Rout announced formation of a new regional political party after joining hands with founder of Samata Kranti Dal, Braja Kishore Tripathy, Odisha Jana Morcha (OJM) chief Jagneswar. Rout had hinted that his party would be named Biju Samata Kranti Dal.