Sura Routray rules out 2029 poll bid; says Jatni candidate will be chosen with his consent

Senior Congress leader Suresh ‘Sura’ Routray on Wednesday clarified that he will not contest the 2029 elections, reaffirming his decision to step away from electoral politics after announcing his retirement. Earlier, he had hinted at returning to electoral politics.

Addressing the media, Routray said that, having declared his retirement, there was no question of his returning to the electoral fray. However, he asserted that the Congress candidate for the Jatni Assembly constituency in the next election would be selected with his consent.

The veteran leader also reflected on the party’s performance in Jatni in the last election. He claimed that Congress did not genuinely lose the constituency but suggested that certain circumstances influenced the outcome. Routray stated that he had chosen to “bow his head” for the sake of his two sons, which he believes ultimately contributed to the party’s defeat in Jatni.

He added that such a situation would not arise again and expressed confidence that Congress would regain the seat in the future. According to Routray, the party will internally decide on a candidate who has strong prospects of winning.

“I did not contest the last election, which led to Congress’s defeat in Jatni. I have resolved that the party will win in my constituency, regardless of who contests against us. We will decide on the candidate among ourselves. Since I have announced my retirement, I will not contest the 2029 election,” Routray said.

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His remarks have reignited discussions within the state Congress unit, particularly regarding leadership influence and candidate selection in the Jatni Assembly constituency.