Dhenkanal, Feb 23: Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday took a veiled dig at BJD leader and 5T chairman VK Pandian and said, "some people falsely act like a martyr by biting their nails."

The Union Minister targeted Pandian without taking his name while addressing the public during the release of commemorative postage stamps in memory of revolutionary freedom fighter Sarangadhar Das in Dhenkanal this evening.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan remembered the valour and sacrifice of Baji Rout, the youngest Indian freedom fighter and martyr who was killed at the age of 12 by British police, of Dhenkanal.

"Dhenkanal and Odisha are the land of martyrs like Baji Rout. Nowadays, some people falsely act like a martyr by biting their nails. Odia people are not tigers or ghosts and you don't need to fear anyone in the State," Pradhan said.

The Union Minister's statement came a day after Pandian said that he would not fear "any type of attack" while meeting and serving the people of the State.

“You can throw eggs, tomatoes or ink at me or even fire bullets, but it would not stop me from meeting and serving the people of Odisha.” Pandian said after a man hurled a tomato at him at a public event at Belaguntha in Ganjam district yesterday.

Also Read: Man Hurls Tomato At 5T Chairman VK Pandian; Thrashed By BJD Workers

Notably, Pandian's statements more often sparked controversies in recent times. The bureaucrat turned politician's towering claims in various forums have been proved to be false of late. Now, the Union Minister targeted the "tomato attack" issue and reminded that the drama of martyrdom will not be played in the land of Baji Rout.

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