Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, is contesting the elections after a hiatus of 15 years. As Sambalpur prepares for the polls on May 25, Pradhan is busy with a hectic campaign, presenting the BJP’s agenda and critiquing the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha.
In an interview with HT, Pradhan questioned the credibility of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, pointing out his repeated promises without delivering tangible results. Pradhan accused Patnaik of using gimmicks, noting his decision to contest from Kantabanji despite resigning from the Bijepur seat after winning it in a previous election. According to Pradhan, the BJD’s lack of focus on development has left districts like Bargarh without significant progress.
Pradhan raised concerns about the ongoing labour migration from western Odisha, including Patnaik’s own constituency of Hinjili. He criticized the state government’s failure to address key issues like drinking water, healthcare, education, and employment. Pradhan suggested that the BJD’s focus on personalities over issues has led to widespread resentment among the people.
The BJP candidate emphasized that elections should be based on addressing important issues rather than personality-driven politics. He called on Patnaik to clarify what he has done to address problems like labour migration, vacancies in government hospitals, and the drinking water crisis. Pradhan also criticized the BJD for being controlled by non-Odia elements, highlighting that a non-Odia bureaucrat often takes key decisions for the state.
Pradhan reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to fighting for Odia Asmita (Odia identity), emphasizing the need to protect the interests of tribals and address the state’s broader challenges. He highlighted the party’s strategy of collective leadership, indicating that while BJP has not yet decided on a chief ministerial candidate, it is confident of winning all 21 Lok Sabha seats and forming the government in Odisha with an absolute majority.
The Union Education Minister’s return to electoral politics in Odisha marks a significant moment for the BJP as it seeks to challenge the long-standing dominance of the BJD and bring new leadership to the state. The upcoming elections in Sambalpur and other parts of Odisha will be closely watched as both parties battle for the support of the voters.
