BJD Perturbed Over ‘Shashikala Syndrome’ Swipe, Dharmendra Pooh-Poohs Remarks Targeting Him

Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday said that the ruling BJD in Odisha is targeting him with absurd statements, perturbed over his ‘Shashikala syndrome’ swipe.

Speaking to mediapersons during the Rozgar Mela on Tuesday, he reiterated that ‘Shashikala syndrome’ is plaguing the ruling dispensation, by which he meant that the government is running by proxy. BJD retorted by saying that Dharmendra is making such remarks against the government since he is upset with his attempt to take credit for Centre’s decision to bring Kapileswar Temple in Bhubaneswar under ASI protection having been exposed.

Terming him as a “publicity-hunger” Union Minister, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty had also cited the example of Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi to further snub Dharmendra, as the two leaders from BJP reportedly do not share the best of terms.

Addressing Aparajita as his sister, Dharmendra, however, said such statements make no sense since she was welcomed with open arms by BJP and fielded from Bhubaneswar. “They think they can do politics over this issue and drive a wedge between us. What is wrong if we both wrote to Union Culture minister on the same issue. It is for the state’s interest,” he said.

Dharmendra further said that there is a serious governance deficit in the state and the BJD is trying to divert attention from the serious issues to cover up its inefficiency by making such statement. “The focus should be on preserving the pride of Odisha and taking the state to the pinnacle of progress while fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the youth. We can never achieve this till the state is afflicted by the Shashikala syndrome,” he added.