Pradhan faces Vyapam scam protest in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan had a tough time at two functions in Odisha as some alleged BJD supporters shouted slogans demanding his resignation over his "link" with the Vyapam scandal main accused.

The protestors at venue of both the official meetings with railway minister Suresh Prabhu in Begunia in Khurda district and Malatipatpur in Puri district waved placards written 'Dharmendra Go Back'.

Unfazed by the agitation, Pradhan on reaching the airport here later asserted that he had not received any favour from Sudhir Sharma, the main accused in the Vyapam scam.

BJD spokesman and senior party MLA Samir Ranjan Dash denied allegations that the protestors at two functions belonged to the ruling party.

The scene at both the meeting venues were so noisy that people could hardly listen anything when Pradhan was addressing the gathering.

Supporters of BJD and Congress also burnt effigies of Pradhan in Dhenkanal and Bhubaneswar respectively while the 'Odisha Vikash Parishad' activists blocked road at Master canteen Square here demanding resignation of Pradhan.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Prasad Harichandan too demanded Pradhan must resign and cooperate with the CBI to probe into the scandal.

The State unit of BJP alleged BJD supporters created ruckus at official functions attended by Pradhan.