Patro-Rout spat turns ugly again

BHUBANESWAR: The infighting in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) came to the fore in the Assembly again on Tuesday with dissident leader Damodar Rout hitting out at Revenue Minister Surya Narayan Patro for flying to the United States to attend a seminar on a first class air ticket on the recommendation of a Congress minister at the Centre. The fresh exchange of words between the two senior leaders started on Saturday after Patro’s statement that Rout was asked to resign by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik because of his casteist remarks. Rout did not enjoy Chief Minister’s confidence since 2009, Patro had said. Patro, along with some officials, had visited the US to attend a seminar organised by Invest Orissa to attract investment to the State. Rout alleged that Patro had written to Union Minister Srikant Jena for upgradation of his ticket from economy to first class.  The BJD MLAs are criticising the Centre for its step-motherly attitude towards Orissa, but is it proper for the Revenue Minister to have sought the help of a Congress minister to upgrade his air ticket for the US visit, he asked, adding that the bill for the ticket was footed by IPICOL, a Government of Orissa undertaking. Patro, however, admitted that he had written to the the Civil Aviation Minister, Srikant Jena and another Union minister for upgradation of his ticket. Patro said the ticket was upgraded in accordance with the procedure set by Air India when vacancy exists in first class category. The issue cropped up during zero hour. Rout said despite the anti-Congress stance of the BJD leaders, the Minister had sought help from Jena, once considered a critic of legendary Biju Patnaik.   The airlines did it as per their procedure and the State Government did not have to pay any additional money for upgradation of the ticket to first class, Patro said, adding the Industries Minister, who was also to join the tour, failed to accompany the team as his visa could not be obtained in time.  The spat took place a day after Rout moved a privilege notice against Patro saying his rights as a legislator had been hurt due to the Minister’s remarks in the House on Saturday about his resignation from the ministry in May.