TV
Sambalpur: The political corridors in Odisha are abuzz with speculations whether senior BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will contest the next general election from Sambalpur parliamentary constituency.
The speculations were triggered by the interpretation of a statement made by the union minister in Khinda area of Sambalpur district today. Pradhan addressed the people in Khinda while attending the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.
Referring to Sambalpur MP Nitesh Ganga Deb who was sharing the dais with him, Pradhan said, "If Raja Saheb wants, I can become the MP here at any time.”
Though the Union Minister said this in a light way, political thinkers are interpreting the statement to find out if there is any political motive behind this.
“I do not know whether I can become MP of this region again in my lifetime, but I will always remain the ex-MP of Deogarh. Raja Saheb is our leader. If he wants, I will become MP here at any time,” Pradhan said.
Though there is still three more years to go for 2024 general elections, the statement of the union minister has triggered a speculation in the political circles. Pradhan was the MP from Deogarh seat from 2004 to 2009 and is now a Rajya Sabha member.
Pradhan did not contest 2019 general elections. During the first tenure of Modi government, Pradhan was elected from Bihar and now he represents Madhya Pradesh.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
