Presidential Poll: Cong MLA Suresh Routray Backtracks On Support To Droupadi Murmu, To Follow Party Decision

Bhubaneswar: Senior Congress leader of Odisha and Jatni MLA Suresh Routray has backtracked on his statement to support NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu for Presidential election and decided to toe the party decision.

Speaking to media persons on Sunday, Routray said as per the decision of party high command Sonia Gandhi, he would support UPA candidate Yashwant Sinha in the election.

“I am a disciplined worker of Congress. I always follow the decision taken by the party on any matter. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Chellakumar and Sarat Patnaik are my leaders. I will follow their decision on Presidential candidate and extend my support,” Routray said.

On Saturday, the Congress MLA had said Droupadi Murmu was the ‘daughter of the soil’ and needs support from all leaders of Odisha. He would discuss the matter with the party leaders, he added.

When the media persons pointed it out to him, Routray claimed that to have said that he would take a decision in consultation with the party leaders. As they have announced Sinha as party candidate, he would follow their decision, he added.