Bhubaneswar: The Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, Friday dismissed senior minister Dr.Damodar Rout from his cabinet. Dr.Rout was agriculture minister.
The chief minister’s office had asked Dr.Rout to send his resignation. When he refused to tender his resignation, the chief minister send his dismissal letter to the governor for approval.
Patnaik said, “I strongly disapprove of anyone who makes derogatory remarks against any caste, creed or religion. I have dismissed Dr Rout from the council of ministers. A letter has been sent this evening to the Governor to accept his dismissal.”
Rout’s ouster was on card since long for his controversial remarks. The minister was in controversy for his casteist remarks against dalits and brahmins. His remark “Swami Chadi Anganwadi” had instigated the Anganwadi workers to demand his resignation. He also engaged in a verbal duel with the chief minister over the martyr status of Jai Rajguru.
