Cuttack: Union Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan raised eyebrows in political circles by heaping effusive praise on senior Congress leader Lalatendu Bidyadhara Mohapatra saying the latter is an inspiration for the youth of the State at a function in Cuttack on Sunday.
Addressing a function organised by the Cuttack Youth association on Sunday, Pradhan said, “Lulu Mohapatra is like my elder brother. He is an inspiration for the youth of the State due to his youthfulness and style of functioning.”
Pradhan did not restrict himself to just praising the senior Congress leader, but went on to hug Mohapatra after finishing his address.
Reacting to the Union minister’s statement, Mohapatra stated, “There is a family relationship between us. Besides, from the student days, Pradhan was our representative at Utkal University.”