Congress leader Suresh Routray expelled for anti-party activities

Bhubaneswar: Veteran leader Suresh Routray faced expulsion from the Congress party on Monday due to allegations of indiscipline and engaging in activities contrary to the party’s interests.

Routray, who currently serves as the MLA for the Jatni assembly constituency, received a six-year expulsion order from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) president.

The expulsion came in response to Routray’s involvement in campaigning for his son, Manmath Routray, who is running for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency on a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ticket. Prior to the expulsion, the Congress had issued a showcause notice to the Jatni MLA for his active involvement in supporting his son’s candidacy, which was deemed detrimental to the party’s stance.

Routray has a longstanding history with the Congress, having been elected from Jatni on six occasions under the party’s banner. Additionally, he served as a minister during the JB Patnaik government in the state, further solidifying his ties to the party over the years.

Following his expulsion, Suresh Routray expressed his acknowledgment and acceptance of the decision. He congratulated those responsible for his expulsion and expressed contentment with the outcome.

Despite the expulsion, Routray reiterated his commitment to the Congress party, stating, “For 50 years, I have dedicated myself to the Congress party. I remain a member of the Congress and will continue to do so indefinitely.”