Bhubaneswar: After being slapped a notice by the party, veteran Congress leader and Odisha MLA Suresh Routray on Thursday strongly refuted claims that he campaigned for his son Manmath, who is Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate for Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency for the upcoming elections.
Claiming that he has never campaigned or sought votes for his son, the Jatani legislator told reporters that the question of campaigning for Manmath does not arise.
“I have never campaigned for my son, who is a BJC candidate. There is no question of my seeking votes in his favour,” said Routray, popularly known as ‘Sura Bhai.’
Describing himself as a hardcore Congressman, he said his son is busy campaigning for the upcoming polls together with BJD leaders and workers.
“I have been working for Congress for the last 51 years. I have given my sweat and blood to safeguard the interest of the party. I can never work against it. I will continue to be with Congress till my last breath,” said the firebrand leader.
However, some people appear to be trying to take action by making false allegation, the Congress legislator said, adding that the party had issued a notice and he has replied to it.
“If the party wants to take action and punish me for no fault of mine, I have no objection. I am ready for action,” he said.
Congress reportedly issued a fresh notice to Routray after it was alleged that he was campaigning for his son Manmath, who has been fielded by the BJD in Bhubaneswar Parliamentary constituency for the upcoming polls. As per reports, he was asked to explain as to how he was canvassing for the candidate of another political party despite being in Congress.
