Former Odisha minister floats new party

Expelled Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Odisha minister Damodar Rout on Friday announced formation of a new party, the Biju Samata Kranti Dal.

"The objective of the new party will be to strongly oppose the ruling party which has deviated from the ideals of the legendary leader Biju Patnaik," said Rout.

He said the party will work to bring the Biju loyalists together.

Former union minister Braja Kishore Tripathy and Odisha Jana Morcha (OJM) chief Jagneswar Babu were present on the occasion.

Rout had announced that he will form a new political party after he was expelled from the BJD on September 12 for anti-party activities.

The seven-time MLA from Paradip had created a flutter by raising a series of scams in the state government. - IANS