Bhubaneswar: “People in Odisha are laughing due to the hilarious statements of Union Minister Shri. Dharmendra Pradhan regarding the State Government vigilance raid on a Government official for corruption.” said BJD MP Dr. Sasmit Patra in a press Statement today
Dr. Patra said “It is unfortunate that Shri. Pradhan despite being aware of the zero tolerance policy of the Odisha Government is still making such statements. Over the past three years, 180 officers have been sent on compulsory retirement, dismissed from service or their pensions have been withheld after being found to have indulged in corruption. Instead of appreciating the Odisha Government’s strong stand and zero tolerance policy against corruption, it is unfortunate that Shri. Pradhan is criticizing the State Government.”
He further added “In March 2023 before the Karnataka Elections, the Lokayukta seized 8 crores worth of cash from a Karnataka BJP MLA. Who was the Observer of Karnataka elections at that time for the BJP? Wasn’t that corruption? Why didn’t Shri. Pradhan at that time speakup? Everybody knows under whose protection massive corruption going on in MCL Talcher. People who have been thrown out from BJD for having been involved in corruption are moving openly with Odisha BJP leaders which Odisha people are watching. Such statements of Shri. Pradhan have turned into a joke. Odisha is known throughout the country for clean and transparent governance. Shri. Pradhan should tell BJP states to learn from Odisha if he has any commitment for anti-corruption.”
