Dharmendra Pradhan slams Congress at ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’ padyatra in Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal, Nov 12: Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday participated in the BJP's "Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao" padyatra in Odisha's Dhenkanal, where he launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the INDIA bloc over allegations of vote theft and concerns surrounding electoral processes.

The march, organised by the district BJP unit, began at Bajichowk and proceeded to the Collectorate, drawing participation from party leaders, elected representatives, workers and supporters.

The event was projected as a public awareness campaign aimed at safeguarding democratic values and strengthening public confidence in constitutional institutions.

Also read: Dharmendra Pradhan questions Congress’ stand on EVMs and electoral rolls

Addressing the gathering, Pradhan accused the Congress of raising allegations of vote theft to divert attention from its repeated electoral setbacks.

"Congress is staging a false drama of vote theft to hide its continuous defeats and political frustration," he said.

Questioning the opposition's stand on electoral institutions, Pradhan said, "When Congress wins elections, it trusts the EVMs and the Election Commission. But when it loses, it starts questioning the same constitutional institutions. This reflects the party's double standards."

He also criticised opposition objections to voter list revisions and asked why they appeared concerned about the removal of names belonging to deceased voters, migrated individuals and alleged illegal infiltrators.

"Why is Congress worried about the names of dead persons, shifted voters and illegal infiltrators in the electoral rolls?" he asked, alleging that attempts to shield fake voters and illegal entrants were condemnable.

Highlighting the strength of India's democratic system, Pradhan said the country's Constitution had enabled people from humble backgrounds to rise to the highest offices.

"A daughter from a poor tribal family has become the President of India. This is the true strength of Indian democracy," he remarked.

The former Union Minister further said that while the country was moving steadily on the path of development, opposition parties continued to rely on allegations and excuses rather than constructive politics.

Describing the rally as a people's movement, Pradhan said the campaign was aimed at protecting democracy, preserving Odisha's pride and creating awareness against what he termed political anarchy.