BHUBANESWAR: Senior BJD leader and former minister Damodar Rout on Thursday welcomed Pradip Maharathy’s resignation. Maharathy grew in stature by his action, Dama said.
“In democracy, people’s opinion is of paramount importance for the elected representatives. Maharathy by tendering his resignation has given more importance to the public opinion than the verdict of the court or any investigating agency,” he said.
Rout, who was victim of internal machinations twice, said Maharathy has set the highest political standards by quitting even though his involvement in the alleged crime is yet to be established. The former minister, however, was critical of the role of the police administration which, he said, has miserably failed in maintaining the law and order situation.” The CrPC and the IPC do not recognise the Chief Minister or any minister. It is the responsibility of the DGP to implement the provisions of the law,” he said.
Taking a dig at the DGP, Rout said it is the duty of the law-enforcing authorities to implement the provisions of CrPC and IPC.
Rout’s aversion for the DGP is well-known. In the Winter Session of the Assembly Rout called the DGP by name and accused him of patronising Bapi Sarkhel, the prime accused in the recent Paradip group clash which claimed a life.
Lambasting the Opposition for demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Rout said they are trying to fish in troubled water.