BJD Lacks Virtue: Dharmendra Pradhan On 'Defunct Transformer' Jibe At Late MLA

Balasore: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has lashed out at the ruling-BJD for calling late Balasore MLA Madan Mohan Dutta a 'defunct transformer'. Condemning the remark by BJD leader Kuna Tripathy, Pradhan maintained that such irresponsible and insensible comment is one of the many shreds of evidence which points that ego has completely consumed the party.

"People of Balasore have faith in Narendra Modi, and accordingly they chose Mangu Bhai (Madan Mohan) as their representative. Mangu Dutta is a defunct transformer? People with a sane mind will never say such things for a person who is no more with us," said Pradhan.

"Of course in politics, we do find a difference of opinion between the parties, but such statements only show that this party lacks virtue. People will give them a befitting reply.

Union Minister Pratap Sarangi and other leaders of the BJP also condemned such inhumane statements from BJD leaders. "I urge people of the constituency not to cast their votes in favour of such ‘heartless’ leaders and party and support the late MLA’s son and BJP candidate Manas Dutta in the upcoming by-poll," said Sarangi.

#OdishaBypolls: Senior BJP leader & Union Minister Pratap Sarangi condemns BJD leader Kuna Tripathy's ‘defunct transformer’ jibe at late #Balasore MLA Madan Mohan Dutta; accuses the ruling-BJD leaders of repeatedly making insensitive & irresponsible comments (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/wxsSM29EmX

— OTV (@otvnews) October 30, 2020

Recently during a campaign, Kuna Tripathy said Odisha CM and BJD president Naveen Patnaik is ensuring development of Balasore just like Hirakud is sending power to transformers, and if a transformer is defunct, there can be no development. Taking a dig at the late MLA, he went on to say, “People are saying that the transformer which had been sitting here for the last few days didn’t do any work. So, Naveen Babu has sent a good transformer (party candidate for the Assembly seat) to ensure fast development.”

However, after the BJP came down heavily, Tripathy later clarified that his statements were misinterpreted. "I had said that in order to ensure development of Balasore, CM Naveen is sending a transformer and he is our party candidate. And if a defunct transformer comes to power, development can not be fast-paced. I have not been disrespectful to any person," he said.

Wife of the late MLA Madan Dutta is shattered with statements coming from the ruling party members. “After Ranendra Pratap Swain termed my husband’s demise as an opportunity for BJD, I expected some compassion from CM Naveen, but he too remained silent,” she said.

'CM, don't be so insensitive'

Mother of Manas Dutta-BJP candidate for Balasore & wife of late Madan Dutta says 'after Ranendra Pratap Swain had termed my husband's demise as opportunity for BJD, I expected some compassion from CM during virtual rally, but he remained silent'

— OTV (@otvnews) October 29, 2020