Dharmendra Seeks Clarification On Odisha CM Vacating Bijepur Seat

Bargarh: BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday sought a clarification from the BJD on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s decision to vacate Bijepur seat.

Talking to the media during his campaign in Barpalli block, he said the Chief Minister had promised inclusive development of this constituency during the first 2018 by-election. Even during the Assembly elections this year, the Chief Minister while contesting the Bijepur seat, had also made similar commitment, he said.

“Unfortunately, there has been no development of Bijepur till date,” he added.

Criticising the Chief Minister for vacating the Bijepur seat and retaining his home constituency Hinjili, Dharmendra said, “The local BJD leaders had invited their party supremo to contest the Bijepur seat to ensure development in the western Odisha. But he vacated the seat after the winning the election. Can the BJD Rajya Sabha member Prasanna Acharya give a clarification on it? The people of Bijepur, who have been burdened with another election, will give a fitting reply on October 21.”

Asked about the prospects of the Congress in the by-election, the BJP leader said the party, which has lost its entity in Odisha, is now working as a B team of the BJD.