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Confusion over Athagarh MLA’s resignation status

CUTTACK: Confusion over the status of Athagarh legislator Ramesh Rout, who was elected as an Independent MLA in April this year, continues even as whereabouts of Mr. Rout are not yet known. Mr. Rout had been incommunicado and his relatives also claim that they do not have any knowledge of him.

Ever since Mr. Rout put in his papers before the Speaker on June 20, expressing his desire to quit as an MLA without citing any reason, the political waters in Cuttack district’s Athagarh segment warmed up. Mr. Rout ostensibly quit his post to pave way for political heavyweight Ranendra Pratap Swain of BJD to enter the Assembly.

Mr. Swain, who had been winning continuously since 1990 from this segment, was unfortunately left out from contesting the polls this year. The former minister’s candidature was rejected as he failed to submit the original party affiliation certificate while submitting his nomination papers.

Mr. Swain as well as BJD leaders backed the Independent candidate Mr Rout hoping that the latter would tender his resignation after winning so as to ensure Swain’s smooth entry into Assembly.

The ruling BJD has washed its hands from the developments and is not worried as the party is not going to face any problem for having absolute majority in the House.

“BJD has nothing to do with the issue. If the MLA has put in his papers, it is the prerogative of the Speaker to decide over it,” said BJD general secretary and Minister Damodar Rout.

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