Is veteran leader Damodar Rout being sidelined in BJP?

Bhubaneswar: Senior leader Damodar Rout today expressed displeasure over being sidelined by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), which he joined prior to the general elections earlier this year. Speaking to media persons, Rout on Thursday vented his dissatisfaction over the fact that the party has not deemed his presence necessary in several party affairs soon after the 2019 elections got over.

“One or two meetings were held after the elections and after that I am not aware whether any meetings were held or not. But I was not called and I have not attended any meetings after that,” said Rout.

It is pertinent to mention here that Damodar Rout had joined the BJP soon after its expulsion from BJD prior to the 2019 elections. He unsuccessfully contested from Balikuda-Ersama Assembly Constituency in the recently-concluded polls.

“I was the star campaigner and moved in helicopters to campaign for the party at places where PM Modi and other heavyweights addressed poll meetings. I too contested from Balikuda-Ersama seat on BJP ticket and after my defeat, I have not been given any assignment so far,” said Rout.

Rout, however, has not lost hope and asserted that he is very much in the party.

“The membership drive of BJP has concluded recently and I hope that I might get some organizational responsibility,” Rout added.

Meanwhile, senior BJP leaders could not be contacted over Dama Rout's allegations.