Politics / Dharmendra Pradhan Receives Grand Welcome in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, July 28: Senior BJP leader and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan received a rousing welcome in Odisha on Tuesday, as hundreds of supporters, party leaders, and well-wishers gathered at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here to greet him on his first visit to the state after resigning as Union Education Minister.

Five Odisha Ministers, 21 BJP legislators, two former MLAs, and a score of senior party leaders were present at the airport to felicitate Pradhan. The atmosphere turned festive as supporters lined the roads, chanting “Dharmendra Pradhan Zindabad” while carrying placards, flowers, and garlands. Women, youth, and college students joined the celebrations, presenting bouquets and traditional uttariyas to the senior leader.

As Pradhan stepped out of the terminal, he was greeted with slogans and cheers. Smiling and acknowledging the crowd with folded hands, he was showered with floral tributes and felicitations. Some supporters touched his feet in reverence, underscoring the deep connect he enjoys with grassroots workers.

The grand reception reflected the growing admiration for the Sambalpur MP, who has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies such as the National Education Policy and flagship schemes like Ujjwala, widely regarded as transformative.
Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Union Education Minister, Cites Need to Shield Students From Political Controversy

The celebrations in Bhubaneswar followed similar scenes in Delhi earlier this week, where NDA parliamentarians greeted Pradhan with slogans and applause upon his arrival in Parliament. Videos from the national capital showed MPs surrounding him and chanting “Dharmendra Pradhan Zindabad,” highlighting his stature within the alliance.

Political observers remarked that few leaders command such admiration both in Odisha and at the national level. For many, the grand welcome was a testament to Pradhan’s ability to combine policy vision with grassroots connect, reinforcing his image as one of Odisha’s most influential political figures.