Dharmendra Slams Odisha Govt Over ‘Hurried’ Project Announcements Ahead Of Bypolls

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday slammed the Odisha government for its failure to fulfil the promises made during the earlier bypolls in the state.

“Had the government completed any of those promised projects made during Bijepur and Patkura polls, people would have believed it,” he said while referring to the Rs 119 crore bridge over Mahanadi, which he added was announced in a hurried manner keeping the upcoming polls in mind.

During the virtual rally for Tirtol bypolls, Dharmendra said that the reluctance of the government to implement Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the state has cost the people, especially migrants, dear. “The Centre has been prodding the state government but in vain. Had these migrants been covered under this central scheme, they would have received Rs 5 lakh,” he said.

He also accused the government of misgovernance and being unempathetic towards the people of Odisha. “This government has misled people during corona time. Funds from the centre are being pilfered and used for filling one’s pocket,” he said.

He said the government’s inability to govern has led to a rise in unemployment in the state and people are left with no option than to migrate to other states in search for work.

Dharmendra said voting for Congress means ensuring the victory of the BJD and therefore, many members joined the BJP.

Seeking votes for party candidate Rajkishore Behera, he urged people to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dharmendra will address three public meetings in Balasore Sadar Assembly segment on Saturday. Bypolls to Tirtol and Balasore are scheduled on Nov 3.