In a significant disciplinary move, the Indian National Congress has expelled Jatani MLA Suresh Kumar Routray from the party for a period of six years. The expulsion comes in response to allegations of indiscipline and engaging in anti-party activities.
The decision was made public through an official statement released by the party on Monday.
The decision to expel Routray was influenced by his recent political activities, particularly his involvement in campaigning for his son, Manmath Routray, who is contesting the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat under the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) banner.
This action was seen as a direct violation of party norms, given the Congress's opposition status relative to the BJD in the region.
The political landscape of Bhubaneswar, and Odisha at large, has been quite dynamic. In the 2019 General Elections, the Bhubaneswar seat was won by Aparajita Sarangi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who is set to contest against Manmath Routray in the upcoming elections.
The 2019 elections marked a significant shift in Odisha’s political alignment, with the BJD’s dominance reduced and the BJP making considerable gains. Congress had managed to secure one seat during these elections.
Odisha is scheduled to conduct its Lok Sabha elections in four phases: on May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, with the vote counting set for June 4. The state has a total of 21 Lok Sabha constituencies, 13 of which are unreserved, while the remainder are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
The expulsion of Suresh Kumar Routray sends a clear message about the Congress party’s stance on discipline and unity, particularly during the critical period of elections.
This move could influence party dynamics and electoral strategies in the region, especially in terms of consolidating support and maintaining party integrity against cross-party affiliations.
The development is likely to be closely watched by political analysts and party supporters alike, as it may affect the party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Odisha.
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