Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sacked senior most cabinet minister Dr Damodar Rout from his ministry on Friday evening for allegedly dubbing Brahmins as beggars. Rout's comments had embarrassed the ruling Biju Janta Dal and the state government.
Damodar Rout
Rout, 76, was the minister of agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry. Known for making controversial statements often, Rout had been minister several times in the past and was also in the cabinet of Naveen’s father Biju Patnaik.
Last Sunday, while addressing Malyabanta Mahotsabha, a cultural programme at Malkangiri, southernmost district of Odisha dominated by tribals, Rout had said tribals were 'Annadata' (producer of rice) while Brahmins beg. Rout later expressed regret and clarified that he didn’t mean to disrespect Brahmins.
However, the Brahmin society in the state raised hue and cry against him and protested at various places burning his effigies. Opposition BJP had also lashed out at Rout. On Thursday, Muktimandap scholars of Sri Jagannath Temple at Puri had condemned Rout’s statement. Muktimandap scholars are Brahmins and they dictate Hindu rituals of Odisha. Even BJD leaders were unhappy with Rout’s remark and had complained to the chief minister.
The chief minister had also reportedly rebuked Rout on Thursday. Rout later said that electronics media have misinterpreted his statement, and what actually he said was that while tribals are food givers it is Brahmins who beg in bus stands. Later in a signed statement in newspapers, he said Brahmins constitute seven per cent of Odisha’s population and that they control state’s culture and tradition. He also said that he has been taught from his childhood not to disrespect them.
Senior BJD leader and Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Bishnu Das had disapproved of Rout’s statement. However, leader of opposition in assembly Narasingha Mishra of Congress party, who is a Brahmin, found nothing wrong in Rout’s version.
It is felt that Naveen Patnaik’s move may serve another purpose of countering growing BJP in the state. Lately, the chief minister has been attending to all communities and groups through different welfare schemes.
