Odisha: Congress Leader Suresh Routray's Son Manmath Joins BJD, Named LS Candidate For Bhubaneswar Seat

Hours after joining BJD, the Biju Janata Dal announced Manmath Routray as the Lok Sabha candidate from Bhubaneswar.

File photo of BJD leader Manmath Routray.

Six-time Congress MLA Suresh Routray's son Manmath Routray on Wendesday joined the ruling BJD in Odisha ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha polls.

Manmath, a former commercial pilot, went to the BJD headquarters with his supporters in a procession and was inducted into the party by its MPs Manas Mangaraj and Sasmit Patra, according to PTI.

"I will work for the ideology of my father and also Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Both leaders have one agenda in life and that is development. I will work for the development of Odisha," Manmath said.

Hours after joining BJD, the Biju Janata Dal announced Manmath Routray as the Lok Sabha candidate from Bhubaneswar.

"It is an auspicious day for me. I never thought that my name would even be considered for the most premium Lok Sabha seat in Odisha - Bhubaneswar. It is a dream come true for me," BJD leader Manmath Routray said after being named as party's candidate from Bhubaneswar seat. 

Veteran Congress leader Suresh Routray, MLA from Jatani, had on Tuesday said he wanted his son to contest the elections as a Congress candidate.

"I accept Manmath's decision of joining the BJD as he is mature enough to make decisions on his political career," Routray said.

Routray, however said that he would not cast his vote to his son and instead vote in favour of the Congress candidate. He added that he would not contest the ensuing polls due to his age.

Manmath Routray, meanwhile, said he has his father's "blessings".

"My father wanted me to join the Congress, but I decided to start my political journey under Naveen Patnaik's leadership," he said.

Manmath resigned as a pilot of Air India and returned to the state in January. He was accorded a grand welcome by his father and his supporters.