Politics / Dharmendra Pradhan attends ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakata Hatao’ padayatra in Anugola, questions Congress’ stand on EVMs and electoral rolls

Anugola, Nov 11: Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday participated in the BJP's ‘Loktantra Bachao-Arajakata Hatao’ (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) padayatra here in Odisha, using the occasion to launch a sharp attack on the Congress and the INDIA bloc over allegations of “vote theft”.

Organised by the district unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the padayatra commenced from Anugola Court Chhak and culminated at Police station Chhak. A large number of BJP leaders, elected representatives, party workers and supporters joined the march.

Targets Congress

Addressing the gathering, Pradhan accused the Congress of raising allegations of electoral malpractice to conceal its repeated electoral setbacks and political frustration. He said the party trusted Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission when it emerged victorious in elections but questioned the same constitutional institutions after facing defeat.

Calling it a case of “double standards”, the Sambalpur MP said the Congress was attempting to create a misleading narrative around the electoral process.

On Electoral Rolls

Pradhan also questioned the Opposition’s objections to the ongoing revision of electoral rolls. He asked why the Congress was concerned about the removal of names of deceased persons, migrated voters and illegal infiltrators from voter lists.

The senior BJP leader alleged that efforts to shield illegal infiltrators and fake voters were detrimental to the democratic process and should be strongly opposed.

Democracy's Strength

Highlighting the strength of India's democratic system, Pradhan said Indian democracy had enabled a daughter from a poor tribal family to rise to the country's highest constitutional office as President. He described it as a testament to the inclusiveness and resilience of the nation's democratic framework.

He further asserted that while the country was progressing on the path of development, Opposition parties continued to engage in allegations and excuses.
Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan targets Congress over ‘Vote Theft’ claims at “Loktantra Bachao, Arajakata Hatao” rally in Sambalpur

Describing the padayatra as a public awareness campaign aimed at safeguarding Odisha's self-respect, identity and democratic values, Pradhan called upon party workers and citizens to carry the message to every village and household across the State.

Among those present were Dhenkanal MP Rudra Narayan Pany, Anugola MLA Pratap Chandra Pradhan, Pallahara MLA Ashok Mohanty, Chhendipada MLA Agasti Behera , BJP’s Athmallik MLA candidate Sanjeeb Sahu, several BJP leaders and public representatives were present on the occasion.