: Senior Congress leader Suresh Kumar Routray on Wednesday resigned from all committees of the party.
He sent a letter in this regard to Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Sarat Pattanayak.
Routray’s move came moments after his son Manmath Routray joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
“Defying my advice, my son Manmath Routray joined the BJD. It has hurt me. Therefore, I am willing to tender resignation from all committees of the party,” the Jatni MLA said in the letter.
However, he clarified that he would not quit the Congress.
“I will be a part of the Congress till my last breath. I am ready to do any task given to me by the party. I will never vote in favour of any other party,” he added.
Routray is a six-time MLA from Jatni.
His decision regarding the resignation assumes significance ahead of the elections in Odisha as he is known for his organisational strength, especially in the Jatni Assembly constituency and Bhubaneswar, and has a large number of supporters in the region.
On the other hand, addressing his supporters during an event on Wednesday, Routray urged them to help his son in winning the election.
