Paradip MLA Damodar Rout after being axed from the BJD, in his maiden visit to his home turf Erasama on Monday, addressed a public meeting.
Thousands of people from Erasama, Balikuda and Kujang blocks gathered at Thana Chhak in Erasama where Rout held a public meeting attended by scribe Rabi Das, Jajneswar Babu, RTI activist Pradip Pradhan, among others.
The gathering was organised by Balikuda-Erasama Durniti Pratirodha Sangrama Samiti. Former MP Baijayant Panda and former Minister Panchanan Kanungo were invited by the organisers to attend, but they did not turn up. Addressing the gathering, Rout vehemently criticised the State Government and also spewed venom at Balikuda-Erasama MLA Prasanta Muduli describing him as an agent of the Third Floor. However, the BJD leaders not supporting Damababu said the meeting was a failure. They dubbed it as sponsored by the Congress and the BJP.