Pandian’s Challenge To Dharmendra Pradhan: BJP Questions BJD Leader’s Knowledge About Odisha History

Bhubaneswar: In a retaliation to BJD leader VK Pandian’s challenge to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, senior BJP leader Jaynarayan Mishra on Friday questioned the former’s knowledge about Odisha’s political history.

Speaking to media persons here, Mishra said those who are ignorant about politics can only speak like Pandian. “A political leader should always respect the verdict of voters in democracy. One should not forget that legendary Biju Patnaik, after whom the BJD has been formed, had contested from Assembly seats of Choudwar, Bhubaneswar, Khurda and Bhanjanagar and Lok Sabha seat of Bhanjanagar in 1971 and lost in all five seats. But Biju Babu did not quit politics,” the BJP’s MLA candidate from Sambalpur said.

Stating that Pandian was only getting self-satisfaction from his speeches, Mishra said neither the people nor his party leaders were happy with his addresses. The former bureaucrat’s words reflected his immaturity in the politics, he added.

Earlier in the day Pandian had declared that he will take “sanyas” from “rajniti” (quit politics) if Naveen is unable to be sworn in as chief minister with 75% majority on June 9. He had challenged Dharmendra Pradhan to make similar announcement if the BJP fails to form government in Odisha after the polls.

In his reaction to Pandian’s challenge, Mishra said, “He (Pandian) should not forget that Pradhan was an active participant in student politics before the BJD leader started his bureaucratic career.”

Stating that the Union Minister has made immense contributions to Odisha, the BJP leader said the state received an investment of Rs 2.04 lakh crore in petroleum and natural gas sector during Pradhan’s tenure as Union Petroleum Minister.

“Paradip and Dhamra have emerged as petroleum and natural gas hub in eastern India. While 43 projects in the sector worth Rs 50,479 crore have been completed, the work is going on in 36 more projects with Rs 1.45 lakh crore. Besides, the ethanol plant in Bargarh has come up due to his efforts,” he added.

The IIM at Sambalpur, SDI in Bhubaneswar, the branch of ICT-Mumbai, National Skill Training Institute in Bhubaneswar and Odisha Research Centre in Bhubaneswar were possible when Pradhan was appointed as the Union Education Minister, Mishra said.

Also Read: Odisha Elections 2024: V K Pandian Throws Political ‘Sanyas’ Challenge At BJP Leader