Bhubaneswar, Jan. 29: Union Minister of state for skill development and entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy today defended the state BJP leadership on the controversial issue of his cabinet colleague Dharmendra Pradhan launching the campaign vehicles of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state on February 7.

He advised the BJD, which has been criticising the BJP on the issue, to be generous in its approach. "In politics, we should be large-hearted," said Rudy.

Pradhan's pictures appear along with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the campaign vehicles that were set rolling by the IOCL on January 23 inviting people to attend the inaugural event of the 15-million-tonne refinery on February 7. BJD has opposed the idea stating that the vehicles are being used by the BJP for political purposes.

Rudy, however, said: "Pradhan is the departmental minister. Besides, his face is loveable. By indulging in poster politics, we can not move forward."

On being pointed out that display of Pradhan's photo along with the Prime Minister's in the campaign vehicles violate the Supreme Court's guidelines, he said: "I have little idea about it. However, the Prime Minister is committed for overall development of the country. There is no politics in it."

Reacting to this, Paradip MLA and minister Damodar Rout said: "Naveen Patnaik has a large heart. We will give a rousing welcome to Narendra Modi. But, if they want to put up posters of the Union minister, they should do it from their party funds and not IOCL's funds.