Pradhan Targets BJD Govt Over ‘KALIA Chhatra Bruti’

(Surjit Dhal Bhubaneswar/Boudh, Feb 24): Criticising the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government in Odisha, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said that the State government is trying to befool the students and their families belonging to OBC (Other Backward Class ) and farmer class by announcing the ‘KALIA Chhatra Bruti’.

The Union Minister alleged that, that the Odisha government has no intention to help the unprivileged families in the state but is rather trying to hoodwink the people to get votes during the election.

During a party programme in Kantamal area of Boudh district, Pradhan said, “KALIA scholarship scheme is an attempt of the Naveen government to build false hopes and aspirations among the students.”

Pradhan also accused the BJD government of not doing anything to secure reservation for the Other Backward class despite being in power for 19 years.

“The Centre has made provisions for the same,” he asserted.

Responding to Pradhan’s allegations, State Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera said that it has been the habit of the Union Minister to bring allegations on any scheme that has been implemented by the state government for the benefit of the people of Odisha.