Odisha: Former BJD Minister Levels Charges Of Rs 800 Crore Scam Against His Own Party 

After being expelled for his remarks against Brahmins which led to widespread protests, Damodar Rout has alleged that the Naveen Patnaik led Odisha government had indulged in Rs 800 crore agriculture loan scam, Indian Express has reported.

Rout had earned people’s ire after saying that, “ while no tribal is seen begging in any part of the state, one can spot Brahmins resorting to begging in places such as bus stands”.

Rout had been in charge of cooperation department before his expulsion from the cabinet. Rout has been a seven-time MLA in Odisha legislative assembly.

“Though I had signed the file for (an) extension of the term of the official, I opposed and ordered an investigation after I came to know such irregularities. But the registrar (of the cooperation department) didn’t pay heed to me at the behest of the godfather,” Rout said.

However, he did not name the godfather. He alleged that 60 per cent of the loans were used for non-agricultural purposes while 40 per cent remained on paper.

Rout’s successor in cooperation ministry, Surjya Narayan Patra assured that he would launch an investigation if he provided more details regarding the allegation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. The Congress party has also demanded an investigation following Rout’s allegations.