Dama Invites Dilip Ray, Bijoy Mohapatra To Join His Party

Bhubaneswar: Veteran leader and former BJD leader Damodar Rout on Saturday invited Dilip Ray and Bijoy Mohapatra to join his new outfit Biju Samatakranti Dal (BSD).

“Both Dilip and Bijoy are seasoned leaders. They are in politics since the tenure of Biju Patnaik and know the ideals and the foresight of the legendary leader. If they are planning to take a decision on this perspective, I will welcome them,” Dama told mediapersons here.

Reacting to the speculation on the two leaders, who resigned from the primary membership of the BJP on Friday, joining the BJD, he said the Chief Minister (Naveen Patnaik) is used to changing his policy overnight to safeguard his position. If he is keen to protect his chair and bring back these two leaders whom he had thrown out of his party, it is up to them to take a call, Dama pointed out.

“I don’t know whether the CM has invited Dilip and Bijoy to join the BJD or the duo has decided to join the BJD, but if there is a speculation about them joining the regional party, I can’t believe that they will return to the fold from where they were thrown out with utter disgrace,” Dama added.

He further said that the people of Odisha desperately want a change in the government. “It is my request that those who are in favour of a change should come under one umbrella,” observed the veteran leader.