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Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation Sparks Development Concerns in Sambalpur

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation Sparks Development Concerns in Sambalpur
Dharmendra Pradhan resignation sparks concern in Sambalpur over stalled development hopes - Telegraph India · telegraphindia.com

Dharmendra Pradhan, a Union cabinet minister from Sambalpur, Odisha, recently resigned.

This has caused concern among his supporters who believe he was doing important work for the area, like starting big development projects worth ₹9,000 crore.

These projects include a new road around Sambalpur town and bridges over the Mahanadi river.

However, some people, especially from the opposition parties, say he didn't do enough for the area and didn't use all the money given to him for local projects.

They also blame him for problems with exams like the NEET paper leak, which even led to some student deaths.

There are also some disagreements within his own party, the BJP, about his resignation.

Some party members in Sambalpur didn't get along well with him.

On the other hand, opposition parties like the BJD and Congress are happy about his resignation and say he didn't do enough for the people of Sambalpur.

Key facts

Resignation Reason
NEET paper leaks and other exam irregularities
Development Projects
₹9,000 crore, including ring road and bridges
MP LAD Fund Utilization
₹68 lakh out of ₹14 crore
Election Margin
Pradhan defeated BJD heavyweight Pranab Prakash Das by a large margin in 2024
University Vacancies
Vice-chancellor posts vacant for nearly two years

Quotes

Ram Chandra Meher

Sambalpur district BJP president

“"Our area lost a cabinet minister who had ushered in development here. Projects worth around ₹9,000 crore, including the ring road for Sambalpur town and bridges on the Mahanadi, have already started. Several are in the pipeline. Their impact will be felt only after two years, and everyone will realise the transformation."”
telegraphindia.com
“"After the question paper leak, a CBI probe was ordered, and arrests were made. A number of steps have been taken towards reform, but Pradhan has been victimised. Our Sambalpur has lost a Union minister who made his presence felt in Delhi."”
telegraphindia.com

Sources

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