Minister Damodar Rout sacked as cabinet minister in Odisha govt

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday sacked Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout from the council of ministers of Odisha government.

The Chief Minister announced the sacking of Minister Damodar Rout this evening.

“I have dismissed Dr Damodar Rout from the council of ministers. A letter has been sent to the Governor to accept his dismissal,” said the Chief Minister.

Minister Damodar Rout was sacked for his recent controversial ‘beggar’ remark on Brahmin community.

Patnaik said he strongly disapprove of anyone who makes a derogatory remark against any cast, creed or religion.

Rout while attending a function in Malkangiri on Monday said tribals never beg even in the adverse situation; rather Brahmins beg for alms, if the situation arises. The statement has triggered string resentment among the priest communities.

Rout had recently triggered controversy for questioning freedom fighter status to Jayee Rajguru, who has been hailed as the first Odia freedom fighter.

Reacting to his removal from the council of ministers, Damodar Rout said, “I am not aware of my dismissal from ministry and thus I will not give any reactions now.”