Former Odisha Minister Damodar Rout joins BJP

New Delhi: Former Minister Damodar Rout joined the BJP in New Delhi on Thursday.

Rout joined the BJP in presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP vice-president Baijayant Panda, party’s state in-charge Arun Singh, BJP legislature party leader KV Singhdeo at party headquarters office.

 Pradhan said his joining will strengthen the party in Odisha.

“After a lot of metal exercise, I decided to join BJP. I will work to dethrone the Naveen Patnaik government in the state,” said Rout.

Rout was expelled from the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) last year for anti-party activities.