Sambalpur, Apr 20: Union Minister and BJP candidate for Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday challenged the leaders of Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for an open debate over the development in Sambalpur region in last two decades.

While addressing the BJP workers In Burla, Union Minister Pradhan said, "The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 10,000 crore to Odisha only to provide drinking water to every house across the State. Today, the State government has failed to provide clean drinking water to cities like Sambalpur."

Referring to the alleged bad condition of National Highway- 55 (NH-55) connecting Sambalpur and Cuttack, Pradhan said around 95% of the construction work of NH 55 has been completed. "I am saying on record that the remaining portion of the NH-55 has been delayed due to the conspiracy and lack of sincerity of the State government," he said.

The BJP leader also pointed out the depleted condition of drainage and street roads of Sambalpur after the 24 years of BJD rule in the State.

"The Municipality of Sambalpur has been functioning without any elected representative for the last 10 years. Fearing of BJP's possible victory in the civic polls, the State government has halted the Sambalpur Municipality elections," Pradhan alleged.

"Those leaders who oppressed the lawyers' movement in Sambalpur, plotted a group clash during the Ram Navami festival, they are now shedding 'crocodile tears'. I urge the leaders of the ruling party for an open debate over the development of Sambalpur," the BJP leader challenged.

Pradhan's statement came after Pranab Prakash Das, BJD General Secretary (organisation) and MP candidate for Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat, targeted the BJP leader for the bad condition of NH 55.

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