Bhubaneswar, Mar 27: Manmath Routray, son of senior Congress MLA Sura Routray, joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today, probably on the advice of his father who changed his yesterday's joining stand.
Manmath joined the ruling party at a special programme held at Sankha Bhawn in the presence of Rajya Sabha MPs Manas Mangaraj and Sasmit Patra.
"I joined the BJD with blessings of my father," said an elated Manmath.
MLA Routray had yesterday told the media that he would not support his son or campaign for him if he fights the ensuing election on any non-Congress party ticket.
However, he said Manmath can join any party he wishes as he is a major in age. He even said he and his supporters would provide full support to his son.
"I will make all efforts to make my son win in the coming elections, irrespective of his party affiliation," said the senior Routray.
He also said that he would continue to work for Congress for the rest of his lifetime and would never go to the BJD office.
"I am a Congress man. I will never go to BJD office," asserted the MLA.
Read More Odisha News
It may be noted that Manmath retired from his Air Force pilot job recently.