Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday appointed former minister Raghunath Mohanty as chairman of the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation.

He will have the status of a cabinet minister.

In March 2013, Mohanty had tendered his resignation following allegations of dowry torture against him and his family by his daughter-in-law Barsa Swony Choudhary. At that time, he was holding the post of law, IT and housing and urban development. Barsa had alleged that his husband, Raja Shree Mohanty, and his family had been demanding money from her ever since the marriage took place on June 24, 2012 at Bhoisahi in Balasore.

She had told reporters that Raja was interested to contest elections in 2014 and needed money for campaign. "He has been demanding Rs 25 lakh and a car. He has been torturing me physically as well as mentally. I brought it to the notice of Raghunath Mohanty, the head of the family, but even he did not heed it," she had said.

As the situation snowballed into a controversy and a high political drama was enacted on the issue, Naveen had denied him a party ticket in 2014 and he could not contest the general elections. Mohanty, who had earlier been the vice-president of the party, was also stripped of the post.

But, the issue was later settled amicably and both Barsa and Raja were united. In March 2018, Naveen appointed Mohanty as the vice-president and made him the party observer of Dhenkanal district.

Mohanty on Thursday told The Telegraph: "I am really thankful to the chief minister for reposing his faith in me. I will work to strengthen the party. My supporters are quite happy."

He said: "If my leader wants me to contest, I will certainly fight the upcoming general elections."