Bhubaneswar: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on Saturday rubbished the speculation of a ministry reshuffle that had emerged after the dismissal of Dr Damodar Rout from the state council of ministers as agriculture and farmers’ empowerment minister.
“There is no plan for any reshuffle yet,” Mr Patnaik said. Dr Rout, who is also the BJD vice-president, sacked from the post on Friday for his alleged casteist remarks against the Brahmins at a public function in Malkangiri district.
The BJD stalwart in his speech on December 17 at the 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 the situation demands. This remark sparked resentment among the Brahmins, who demanded an apology from Dr Rout while seeking his sacking.
