Pradhan converting IOCL refinery inauguration into BJP affairs: Dama

BHUBANESWAR: Senior BJD leader and Excise Minister Damodara Rout on Thursday hit out at Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for converting the inauguration of IOCL refinery project at Paradip into BJP affairs.

“Dharmendra Pradhan is turning the Prime Minister’s event into BJP affairs. Narendra Modi is coming for the inauguration of IOCL Refinery. But, the way BJP is behaving is unfortunate,” Rout told media persons here.

Accusing IOCL of spending crores for the branding of Pradhan, he also demanded a CBI probe into the funds being used for the event.

The BJD leader also dared Pradhan to contest from Paradip, where he has spent crores for his brand promotion.

Rout, however, said that he along with other leaders of the party in Paradip would welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to inaugurate the refinery project.

“The Minister is visiting Odisha, and he is a state guest. So, we will welcome him to the state and Paradip. Thousands of people in Paradip, which I represent, will greet him. But, the way BJP is behaving is unfortunate,” said Rout.

However, BJP reacted sharply over the statement of the BJD vice-president.

“It is the reflection of Rout’s helplessness. He should meet Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik express his helplessness,” said BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma.