Koraput: A tribal outfit, identifying itself as the Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh of Rayagada division, has come out in favour of beleaguered BJD veteran Damodar Rout, who was sacked from the council of ministers and from the party's vice-president post last week for his alleged derogatory remarks against the Brahmins.

The outfit, through banners put on at several areas of the district, have hailed Rout's contribution towards the tribal development and labelled him as the "God" and "Leader" of the tribal people.

Police on Wednesday seized one banner each from Ambadola, Muniguda and Bissamkatak of Rayagada district.

"The festival in Malkangiri district, where Rout hailed the tribal people and did not speak any offensive against the Brahmins. Around 400 tribal people were present at the function," the banner says.

"Why was action taken against Rout while many corrupt MLA's with alleged links with several sham deposit collection companies are still enjoying power in the party and the government," it questions.

The tribal outfit has threatened to stage demonstrations if chief minister Naveen Patnaik failed to take action against the MLAs having links with the fraud firms and if Rout was not given his due importance and respect in the party.

"If our demands are not fulfilled, over 6,000 tribal people of the sangh will join the BJP and support the Maoists," the banner reads. However, the police remain doubtful over the genuineness of the banners and suspect it to be the handiwork of some criminals.

Rout had reportedly called the Brahmins as "beggars" while praising the tribal people for upholding their ethics and self-esteem, at the Malyabant festival in Malkangiri.