Bhubaneswar: Senior Congress leader Suresh Routray, popularly known as Sura Routray, has been expelled from the party for a period of six years, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) announced on Monday.
The decision to expel Routray was taken following numerous complaints of indiscipline and anti-party activities leveled against him. In a press release issued by the AICC, the expulsion was confirmed, citing the need to address the grievances and maintain discipline within the party.
“Taking note of the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party activities, the Congress President has approved the expulsion of Suresh Kumar Routray from the party for six years with immediate effect,” read the statement.
Routray, a veteran Congress leader in Odisha, found himself in hot water after reports surfaced of him allegedly endorsing his son Manmath Routray, who is contesting the upcoming elections from the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency on a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ticket.
The decision to expel Routray came after he was seen actively campaigning for his son, who is affiliated with the ruling BJD, raising concerns within the party about his allegiance and commitment to the Congress.
Responding to the expulsion, Routray expressed his disappointment, asserting that he would not campaign for any other political party. He clarified that while he maintains his loyalty to the Congress, he cannot ignore his familial ties and obligations, particularly in supporting his son’s political aspirations.