Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan slams 24 years of BJD rule in Odisha, promises major reforms if BJP wins

Balasore (Odisha) [India], May 27 (ANI): Pitching for the formation of a “double-engine government” in Odisha, Union Minister and Sambalpur Lok Sabha BJP candidate Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday criticized the incumbent Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for failing to meet basic public needs despite 24 years of its governance in the state.

Pradhan highlighted key issues in the state under BJD’s rule, including inadequate access to drinking water, poor irrigation infrastructure, a shortage of doctors in hospitals, and the lack of appointed teachers in primary schools.

“After ruling for 24 years in Odisha, BJD failed to fulfil the basic needs of people like drinking water and irrigation. There are no doctors in hospitals, appointments of teachers in primary schools in the state are not being done,” Pradhan said at an election rally in Balasore.

“If BJP comes to power, under the Subhadra scheme, women will be given a voucher of worth Rs 50,000. Paddy will be procured at Rs 3,100 per quintal in the state. BJP will provide Rs 3000 pension to the all the beneficiaries in Odisha,” Pradhan said.

Criticizing Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Pradhan remarked, “A Tamil man is attempting to take over Odisha.”

He targeted BJD leaders and questioned whether the Chief Minister candidate for Odisha should be an Odia or an outsider.

“Balasore’s Nilagiri people have made their mind to change and form the BJP government in Odisha. A double-engine government can only ensure the rapid development of Odisha. I urge you to replace the corrupt BJD government and support the BJP in creating a ‘double-engine’ government in Odisha under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Pradhan said.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is contesting against Congress party’s Nagendra Kumar Pradhan in the Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP’s Nitesh Ganga Deb won against BJD leader Nalini Kanta Pradhan by securing 473,770 votes.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in the state, the Biju Janata Dal emerged as the largest single party, winning 20 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP had to be content with just a lone seat.

However, in the 2019 polls, the BJP came up with a much-improved showing, marking significant electoral strides to win 8 seats while the BJD’s tally dropped to 12. The improved presence was largely attributed to a boost in the BJP’s organizational presence in the state.

The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the BJD-ruled state are being held across four phases–from May 13 to June 1. The counting of votes for all phases in the state and elsewhere will be held on June 4.