Argus News - Dharmendra Pradhan Receives Warm Welcome in Western Odisha After Bihar Triumph

Sambalpur, Nov 23: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday received an enthusiastic reception across western Odisha as he arrived for a series of public engagements following the NDA’s decisive victory in Bihar, in which he played a key campaign role.

Pradhan landed at Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda earlier in the day, where senior BJP leaders, MLAs, hundreds of party workers and residents gathered to welcome him. The minister is scheduled to remain in the region for three days and participate in several programmes in Sambalpur district.

From the airport, Pradhan visited Maa Tarini Temple at Thelkoloi, where he offered prayers and conveyed wishes for the well-being of all devotees.

Then the minister travelled to Khinda, where he paid floral tributes at the statue of legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. He later posted on social media, saying he felt honoured to offer respects to the “son of the soil and symbol of valour,” adding that Sai’s bravery remained an inspiration.

A massive public reception was organised in Rengali area of Sambalpur district, where large crowds of BJP workers and local residents turned out to greet Pradhan. Supporters said that with Pradhan’s arrival, celebrations intensified in the area, reflecting local pride in his leadership role in the Bihar campaign.

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In Sambalpur city, a grand felicitation programme had been organised near the Maa Samaleswari Temple, where hundreds of party workers, supporters and well-wishers gathered. Traditional Sambalpuri music and instruments filled the air as the minister arrived. Pradhan then undertook a padyatra to the temple and offered prayers to Maa Samaleswari before being formally felicitated by party leaders.