Estranged Biju Janata Dal (BJD) stalwart and former Orissa minister Dr Damodar Rout on Tuesday launched his much awaited platform — Biju Bichar Manch (BBM) — a forum seen as a parallel platform for the dissident leaders.
Eminent freedom fighter Bhawani Patnaik formally launched the BBM at a public rally held at Unit 8 Kalyan Mandap.
Hundreds of followers of Dr Rout from all the 30 districts in the state attended the launching ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rout said he was forced to form Biju Bichar Manch as he was sidelined in the party’s day-today affairs.
“A few flatterers and some vested interests who have hijacked the real power are now calling the shots in the BJD. They have sacrificed the values and principles the legendary leader Biju Patnaik stood for. Throughout his life Biju fought against the Central negligence to Orissa, corruption and nepotism. The BJD was primarily formed to fight for the state’s interests. However, it is unfortunate that most of the founder members of the party have been shown the door,” he observed.
Dismissing the rumour in political circles that the BBM was launched as a parallel political platform for the dissident BJD leaders, Dr Rout — who still holds the BJD vice-president post — said the basic objective behind launching the organisation was to propagate the cult of good governance and development as advocated by Biju Patnaik.
Dr Rout, without mentioning the name BJD Rajya Sabha member Pyarimohan Mohapatra who is believed to be virtually controlling the party affairs, suggested the party leadership not to be guided by him and rule the state as per his own intellect and wisdom.