Suresh Routray rejoins Congress ten months after expulsion

Bhubaneswar, Feb 15: Veteran leader and former Odisha MLA Suresh Routray returned to the Congress on Saturday, ten months after being expelled from the party.
His return came a day after newly appointed Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das revoked the suspension and expulsion of several leaders. Upon reaching the Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Routray was warmly welcomed by several party members, including his elder son Siddharth Routray.
Routray, popularly known as ‘Sura Bhai,’ was expelled in April 2024 for six years due to indiscipline and alleged anti-party activities. However, Bhakta Charan Das, after assuming charge as OPCC president, not only reinstated expelled leaders but also urged former members to rejoin the party, generating enthusiasm among Congress workers.
Overcome with emotion, Routray broke down in tears upon his return. He expressed gratitude to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and OPCC chief Bhakta Das, stating, “Congress is my home. I faced injustice, but today I am back where I belong.”
Referring to Congress Bhawan as his “temple,” Routray recalled his long-standing reverence for Jawaharlal Nehru since 1962.
Notably, Routray had opted out of electoral contests last year. His younger son Manmath contested the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat on a BJD ticket, while his elder son Siddharth ran as a Congress candidate from Nimapada Assembly constituency. Allegations of Routray supporting his younger son in the elections led to his expulsion for anti-party activities.