Labor Minister Shrikant Sahu cited the party’s organizational work as the reason behind his resignation. (File Image/IANS)
Assembly Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha sent his resignation to the Deputy Speaker on Friday. School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Dash and Labor Minister Shrikant Sahu have also resigned.
In a major development in Odisha politics, Assembly Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha and two ministers resigned from their respective posts.
Assembly Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha sent his resignation to the Deputy Speaker on Friday. School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Dash and Labor Minister Shrikant Sahu have also resigned.
In his resignation, Arukha has cited personal reasons behind his decision. The move assumes significance as it comes a day before the counting of Jharsuguda bypolls on May 13. This could be an indication of a possible reshuffle in the state cabinet.
Responding to media queries, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader from Ganjam district, the chief minister’s home constituency, said he had quit due to personal reasons. However, he thanked the Chief Minister for handing over the responsibility of the post of President.
Arukha, who has been the president for almost a year, said if any other responsibility is given to him by the party, he will discharge it perfectly.
“As the Speaker of the Assembly, I tried my best to discharge my responsibility well. I thank Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for giving me the opportunity to become the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and will discharge every responsibility assigned to me by the party or the government.
Labor Minister Shrikant Sahu cited the party’s organizational work as the reason behind his resignation.