little-known CPI Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh, an outfit claiming to be the tribal wing of CPI(Maoist), has again put up a banner in Narayanpatna of Koraput district opposing dismissal of Damodar Rout from the Ministry for his “beggar Brahmin” remark.
The outfit has reiterated its question as to why Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has not sacked the MlAs accused in the chit fund scam. A similar banner of the Sangh had earlier surfaced in Rayagada district in which Rout was termed as a “favourite leader” of tribals besides being hailed for his contribution towards development of tribals.
It was mentioned in the banner that as many as 400 tribals were present at the function in Malkangiri where Rout made remarks on Brahmins. The banner claimed that Rout did not comment anything against the Brahmins. Demanding action against the MlAs accused in chit fund scam and respect for Dama Rout, the outfit has warned to launch an agitation if the State Government fails to fulfil their demands. Interestingly, when the first banner had appeared in Rayagada, the local police had stated that any existence of the so-called outfit coming out in favour of Rout was not known to the Government agencies.
Notably, Rout in his speech at the recent Malyabanta Mahotsav in Malkangiri, while drawing a comparison, had said that Adivasis never beg even in any adverse situation while Brahmins beg for alms if a situation so demands.
This remark had sparked severe resentment among the Brahmins, who demanded an apology from Rout as well as his sacking from the Cabinet.