Maharathi likely to be inducted
The much awaited reshuffle of the Naveen Patnaik led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government took off with the resignation of the party stalwart and minister for agriculture, fisheries & animal resources- Damodar Rout and sports and youth affairs minister, Pravin Chandra Bhanjadeo.
Though speculations were rive that another cabinet minister, Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha, who is in charge of SC and ST development department, has also been asked to put in his papers, no confirmation was received till late evening on his tendering resignation.
Two posts were vacant in the Naveen cabinet before the axing of these ministers. The new ministers are likely to be sworn in on Tuesday to replace the old faces and fill up the vacant posts.
Patnaik is effecting the first ever reshuffle after returning to power for consecutive third term in 2009. He is expected to induct some fresh faces, including Pipli MLA Pradip Maharathi, into the cabinet.
Rout, six-time MLA, tendered his resignation at the behest of the Chief Minister. Rout is currently battling a case relating to passing derogatory remarks against scheduled caste people.
"The Chief Minister called me and asked me to resign. I have already sent my resignation to the Chief Minister. I am not aware of the reasons. Also, it is not appropriate for me to judge my efficiency and performance as it is for the public to assess”, Rout told reporters.
Rout who was first elected as an MLA in 1979, has served in portfolios like Panchayati Raj and Information & Public Relations, Panchayati Raj and Women & Child Development.
