Dhenkanal: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP’s candidate for the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat, declared on Saturday that the party is preparing a comprehensive ‘charge-sheet’ to unveil the purported 25-year façade of progress in Odisha claimed by the ruling Biju Janata Dal.
Addressing a gathering at Mishran Parva at Dhenkanal, Pradhan asserted that the ostensible achievements of the BJD government will be laid bare through this charge-sheet. He highlighted the persistent issue of inadequate access to clean drinking water and healthcare facilities, particularly affecting regions like Dhenkanal, Angul, Sambalpur, and Deogarh.
Pradhan emphasized the dire shortage of doctors in healthcare facilities, with more than half of the sanctioned positions remaining unfilled, including in Dhenkanal Sadar Hospital. He underscored the grave concerns regarding malnutrition and anemia among newborns, exacerbated by the lack of proper infrastructure such as motorable roads.
Citing data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), Pradhan pointed out alarming rates of infant and maternal health issues, with a significant portion of children in Odisha being underweight at birth and a substantial portion of the population suffering from malnutrition and anemia.
Pradhan accused the local government of obstructing the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana due to political motives, alleging collusion with private hospitals to exploit the populace through fraudulent billing practices. He lamented the plight of farmers struggling to sustain themselves while influential figures benefit at their expense.
Asserting that the people of Odisha will reject the false narrative of progress propagated by the ruling party, Pradhan announced the imminent release of the BJP’s charge-sheet against the BJD leadership. He affirmed that the upcoming election will witness a decisive vote against the regime built on propaganda.
