BJP will form govt in Odisha with a majority in assembly polls & also win all 21 Lok Sabha seats, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan tells TOI’s Manash Pratim Gohain. Excerpts from the interview:
Why is everyone in BJP – from the PM, HM, JP Nadda and you – talking about Odia Asmita on the campaign trail?
That’s because of the political circumstances here.Odisha was first state to be created based on language in 1936. Before that, it faced a devastating drought. Odia leadership then realised that until we have a unique identity, there will be no development. Though the state was created based on language, the reason was development and sufferings from that drought. After 88 years, we come across a dreadful reality, be it health of Odia youth, status of education of new generation or employment.
Despite being a regional party, the CM could not find one Odia from the state’s 4.5 crore population whom he could trust with future (of BJD). He trusted a gang of bureaucrats who want to capture the political leadership through back door. There is anger against this in society. It is our responsibility to safeguard future of Odisha – culture, tradition, language, food and development – which is connected to Odia asmita.
400 paar, is it really going to happen? Your assessment of Odisha poll results and how do you see INDIA bloc’s challenge.
400 paar has become a social movement that has come out of the collective wisdom of the country. The country still needs strong decisions over the next few decades, which only a strong govt can deliver. A strong mandate is forthcoming for NDA and that’s why we said close to 400 seats will be achieved. INDI alliance is scattered. This will fizzle out soon. People’s trust in the PM is high in Odisha. We are confident of forming govt with majority in Vidhan Sabha. We are winning all 21 LS seats.
Opposition alleges that BJP’s 400 target is to change the Constitution?
BJP was in govt under Atalji for six years, followed by past 10 years under Modiji. Give one instance in these 16 years where BJP meddled with the Constitution. On the contrary, those who are making such allegations have changed the Constitution multiple times.
You are contesting after 20 years. Why Sambalpur?
I hail from this rich cultural region of Odisha and this has been part of my previous constituency. It’s my fortune that the party has approved my request to contest from this ‘maryada janak sthan’.
Your thoughts on BJD’s challenge to BJP in Odisha.
BJD is in office here and, naturally, we have been in opposition for years now. This time, people are angry with the party, there is a strong anti-incumbency and there is a strong trust factor in Modiji. This time, Odia people will leave BJD behind.
Ex-bureaucrat V K Pandian said if BJP gets 40-50 seats in Odisha Vidhan Sabha, it will break BJD.
There is no need to break anything, people are going to show BJD the door this time.
Naveen Patnaik has been saying BJP leaders are shedding crocodile tears on Odisha’s problems.
These are allegations to hide their incompetence. Naveen babu and his gang are not ready to face the truth, they are not in a position to answer people what they have done in past 25 years.
Modi has said an Odia person will be CM of Odisha. Are you a contender?
What the PM said is true. The issue is in whose hand does future of Odisha lie? With outsourced people or Odias? BJP will hand the mantle to an Odia.
Your views on Arvind Kejriwal’s claim that Modi will retire at 75.
He is a liar, it’s his habit. He should take care of his house. Amit Shahji clarified that our leader is PM Narendra Modi and there is no alternative to that.
Why is everyone in BJP – from the PM, HM, JP Nadda and you – talking about Odia Asmita on the campaign trail?
That’s because of the political circumstances here.Odisha was first state to be created based on language in 1936. Before that, it faced a devastating drought. Odia leadership then realised that until we have a unique identity, there will be no development. Though the state was created based on language, the reason was development and sufferings from that drought. After 88 years, we come across a dreadful reality, be it health of Odia youth, status of education of new generation or employment.
Despite being a regional party, the CM could not find one Odia from the state’s 4.5 crore population whom he could trust with future (of BJD). He trusted a gang of bureaucrats who want to capture the political leadership through back door. There is anger against this in society. It is our responsibility to safeguard future of Odisha – culture, tradition, language, food and development – which is connected to Odia asmita.
400 paar, is it really going to happen? Your assessment of Odisha poll results and how do you see INDIA bloc’s challenge.
400 paar has become a social movement that has come out of the collective wisdom of the country. The country still needs strong decisions over the next few decades, which only a strong govt can deliver. A strong mandate is forthcoming for NDA and that’s why we said close to 400 seats will be achieved. INDI alliance is scattered. This will fizzle out soon. People’s trust in the PM is high in Odisha. We are confident of forming govt with majority in Vidhan Sabha. We are winning all 21 LS seats.
Opposition alleges that BJP’s 400 target is to change the Constitution?
BJP was in govt under Atalji for six years, followed by past 10 years under Modiji. Give one instance in these 16 years where BJP meddled with the Constitution. On the contrary, those who are making such allegations have changed the Constitution multiple times.
You are contesting after 20 years. Why Sambalpur?
I hail from this rich cultural region of Odisha and this has been part of my previous constituency. It’s my fortune that the party has approved my request to contest from this ‘maryada janak sthan’.
Your thoughts on BJD’s challenge to BJP in Odisha.
BJD is in office here and, naturally, we have been in opposition for years now. This time, people are angry with the party, there is a strong anti-incumbency and there is a strong trust factor in Modiji. This time, Odia people will leave BJD behind.
Ex-bureaucrat V K Pandian said if BJP gets 40-50 seats in Odisha Vidhan Sabha, it will break BJD.
There is no need to break anything, people are going to show BJD the door this time.
Naveen Patnaik has been saying BJP leaders are shedding crocodile tears on Odisha’s problems.
These are allegations to hide their incompetence. Naveen babu and his gang are not ready to face the truth, they are not in a position to answer people what they have done in past 25 years.
Modi has said an Odia person will be CM of Odisha. Are you a contender?
What the PM said is true. The issue is in whose hand does future of Odisha lie? With outsourced people or Odias? BJP will hand the mantle to an Odia.
Your views on Arvind Kejriwal’s claim that Modi will retire at 75.
He is a liar, it’s his habit. He should take care of his house. Amit Shahji clarified that our leader is PM Narendra Modi and there is no alternative to that.