Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation Sparks Development Concerns in Sambalpur
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.
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union cabinet minister, sparking concerns in Sambalpur.
BJP leaders believe Pradhan was unfairly blamed for exam irregularities and highlight his development projects.
Opposition parties claim Pradhan failed to deliver on development promises and mishandled the NEET paper leak.
Internal divisions within the BJP in Sambalpur have surfaced due to Pradhan's resignation.
Pradhan's resignation has been welcomed by opposition parties, who criticize his performance as a minister.
- Who
- Dharmendra Pradhan, Union cabinet minister from Sambalpur, Odisha
- What
- Resignation from the Union cabinet
- When
- 2024
- Where
- Sambalpur, Odisha
- Why
- NEET paper leaks and other exam irregularities
BJP Supporters
Opposition Parties
Development Projects
BJP Supporters
Pradhan initiated significant development projects worth ₹9,000 crore, including a ring road and bridges, which will transform Sambalpur in the next two years.
Opposition Parties
Pradhan failed to deliver on development promises, with only ₹68 lakh out of ₹14 crore MP LAD fund being utilized.
NEET Paper Leak
BJP Supporters
Pradhan was unfairly victimized for the NEET paper leak, as a CBI probe was ordered and arrests were made.
Opposition Parties
Pradhan's tenure saw student deaths due to the NEET paper leak, and he failed the student community.
- 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