Bhubaneswar, Congress on Monday expelled Jatani MLA Suresh Kumar Rautra from the party on charges of indiscipline and anti-party activities.
In a statement, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary K Venugopal said, "Considering the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party activities, the Hon'ble Congress President has approved the expulsion of Shri Suresh Kumar Routray from the party for six years. Has given." with immediate effect."
Routray, a six-time MLA from Jatani assembly constituency in Odisha's Khurd district, faced allegations of supporting his son, Manmath Routray, who is the BJ candidate from Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency.
The veteran leader has denied any wrongdoing and said he has resigned from all election-related committees of the Congress after his son became the BJD candidate.Claiming that he has a relationship with the Congress spanning over five decades, Rautra said he will remain in the Congress till his last breath.
He said, "I will take this matter to the party high command and tell them how can I be held responsible for my adult son joining BJD? I have done nothing wrong. I have told the party that I cannot campaign in Bhubaneswar as my son." Contesting as a BJD candidate from here,” he said.
“I will remain in Congress till my death despite expulsion from the party.My son has got BJD ticket for 2024 Lok Sabha elections. But, this does not mean that I am involved in anti-party activities. Many Congress leaders in Odisha were found to have violated party discipline and were involved in anti-party activities, however, no action was taken against them,” the Jatani MLA said.
However, Congress sources said Routray was seen sharing the stage with BJ leaders and the video went viral where he was praising the achievements of BJD North-Bhubaneswar MLA Sushant Raut.
In a statement, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary K Venugopal said, "Considering the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party activities, the Hon'ble Congress President has approved the expulsion of Shri Suresh Kumar Routray from the party for six years. Has given." with immediate effect."
Routray, a six-time MLA from Jatani assembly constituency in Odisha's Khurd district, faced allegations of supporting his son, Manmath Routray, who is the BJ candidate from Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency.
The veteran leader has denied any wrongdoing and said he has resigned from all election-related committees of the Congress after his son became the BJD candidate.Claiming that he has a relationship with the Congress spanning over five decades, Rautra said he will remain in the Congress till his last breath.
He said, "I will take this matter to the party high command and tell them how can I be held responsible for my adult son joining BJD? I have done nothing wrong. I have told the party that I cannot campaign in Bhubaneswar as my son." Contesting as a BJD candidate from here,” he said.
“I will remain in Congress till my death despite expulsion from the party.My son has got BJD ticket for 2024 Lok Sabha elections. But, this does not mean that I am involved in anti-party activities. Many Congress leaders in Odisha were found to have violated party discipline and were involved in anti-party activities, however, no action was taken against them,” the Jatani MLA said.
However, Congress sources said Routray was seen sharing the stage with BJ leaders and the video went viral where he was praising the achievements of BJD North-Bhubaneswar MLA Sushant Raut.
