- Veteran Congress leader Suresh Routray, fondly known as Sura, has tendered his resignation from all committees within the Congress party.
- Routray, a six-time MLA from Jatani, took the extreme step following the decision of his younger son, Manmath Routray, to join the ruling BJD.
- Sura emphasized his unwavering commitment to the Congress ideology, stating, “I will be a part of the Congress till my last breath.”
- The BJD swiftly named Manmath as its candidate for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat, underscoring their confidence in his electoral prowess.
- Sura Routray’s political journey spans decades, marked by his unwavering dedication to public service and numerous electoral victories.
In a dramatic turn of events shaking the political landscape of Odisha, veteran Congress leader Suresh Routray, fondly known as Sura, has tendered his resignation from all committees within the Congress party. This pivotal move comes as a blow to the Congress, especially in the run-up to the impending general elections.
Routray, a stalwart figure within the Odisha Congress and a six-time MLA from Jatani, took the extreme step following the decision of his younger son, Manmath Routray, to join the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Expressing his disappointment in a heartfelt resignation letter addressed to the State Congress leadership, Sura emphasized his unwavering commitment to the Congress ideology, stating, “I will be a part of the Congress till my last breath.”
The gravity of the situation escalated as Manmath Routray was welcomed into the BJD fold at Sankha Bhawan, in the presence of prominent BJD leaders. The younger Routray’s decision to join the BJD was underlined by his alignment with the party’s vision, emphasizing a dedication to serving the people of Odisha, reminiscent of his father’s ethos.
Manmath’s formal induction into the BJD was accompanied by fervent support from his followers, including local councillors, reflecting the significant organizational influence wielded by the Routray family in the region. Notably, the BJD swiftly named Manmath as its candidate for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat, underscoring their confidence in his electoral prowess.
This development marks a significant shift in Odisha’s political landscape, as Sura Routray’s resignation signifies a loss of organizational strength for the Congress, particularly in the Jatani Assembly Constituency and Bhubaneswar, where he commands a considerable support base.
Despite the setback, Sura Routray urged his supporters to throw their weight behind his son’s electoral ambitions, highlighting the family’s enduring connection with the people of Odisha. The grand rally orchestrated by Manmath, culminating in his formal entry into the BJD, showcased the widespread backing he enjoys in the region.
Sura Routray’s political journey spans decades, marked by his unwavering dedication to public service and numerous electoral victories. From his initial triumph on a Janata Party ticket in 1977 to his subsequent terms representing Jatani as a Congress candidate, Routray’s political legacy is deeply intertwined with Odisha’s electoral history.
As the political landscape continues to evolve in Odisha, with the general elections looming on the horizon, the Routray family’s decision to chart a new course within the BJD underscores the dynamic nature of politics in the state. With Sura Routray’s departure from the Congress fold, the stage is set for a compelling electoral contest, as parties vie for supremacy in this crucial battleground.
In the midst of these seismic political shifts, the Routray family’s legacy remains indelibly etched in Odisha’s political consciousness, shaping the contours of its electoral narrative for generations to come.
(With inputs from agencies)
