Dhenkanal, April 13: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said that the party is preparing a comprehensive 'charge-sheet' to uncover the purported 25-year facade of progress in Odisha touted by the ruling Biju Janata Dal.
Speaking at a Mishran Parva gathering here, Pradhan emphasized that this charge-sheet will unveil the shortcomings of the BJD government.
Highlighting issues such as water scarcity in regions like Dhenkanal, Angul, Sambalpur, and Deogarh, Pradhan, BJP’s Sambalpur Lok Sabha candidate, lamented the dilapidated state of provisions for clean drinking water and healthcare for the underprivileged. He noted a significant number of unfilled doctor positions in healthcare facilities, underscoring concerns regarding malnutrition and anemia among newborns, exacerbated by the lack of accessible roads.
Citing data from the National Family Health Survey (NHFS), Pradhan drew attention to the alarming rates of infant mortality, infertility, malnutrition, and anemia in Odisha. He accused the local government of obstructing the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for political motives, alleging collusion with private hospitals in exploiting citizens through fraudulent billing practices.
Pradhan asserted that the forthcoming elections will serve as a referendum on the BJD's governance, with the BJP poised to unveil its charge-sheet to enlighten voters about the alleged mismanagement by the ruling party.
In response, a BJD national spokesperson Sasmit Patra criticized Pradhan, accusing him of fabricating falsehoods to mask his own inadequacies.
Patra defended the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, highlighting its substantial healthcare benefits for the populace and challenging Pradhan to justify his opposition to the scheme. Patra also criticized Pradhan's tenure as Union Minister, citing incomplete infrastructure projects like NH-55 and the ongoing plight of commuters on that route.
