Bhubaneswar, June 30: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has termed Odisha as the "focal point of Indian politics" while addressing the mass gathering, which includes BJP leaders, party oficials as well as party workers, for BJP's victory celebration ceremony at the Exhibition Ground here, Sunday.

Pradhan congratulated Team India for their T20 World Cup triumph Saturday night (IST). The Rohit Sharma-led side ended an 11-year wait for an ICC title as the last global crown had come in 2013 in the form of ICC Champions Trophy under the leadership of legendary MS Dhoni.

Speaking on the Lok Sabha Polls as well as the Odisha Assembly Polls, the Union Minister said that BJP's win isn't of BJP alone. "The win, in the polls, is not BJP's alone. This triumph is dedicated to 4.5 crore people of Odisha and Lord Jagannath. This is also for the braves who had fought in the Kalinga Wars thousands of years ago," said Pradhan.

"The election wasn't for some MPs or MLAs, but for the 'Odia Asmita & Swabhiman' (pride and self respect of Odias). I thank the Union Ministers (for their support)," he added.

He likened the trio of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy CMs -- Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida -- to the complexion of Lord Jagannath, the might of Lord Balabhadra and sisterly Devi Subhadra, respectively.

He said that Odisha is now the focal point of Indian politics. "Do not forget that everyone is watching us. Odisha has now turned into the focal point of Indian politics. Centre never had three impactful Union Ministers from Odisha," said Pradhan.

Speaking of Odia 'Asmita', the Union Education Minister said: "Asmita will be safe if we respect women." "We have to be dedicated towards the people with our behaviour, humbleness, attitude and hard work. This is the government of Odias, not of MPs or MLAs. We have to take extreme care of this responsiblity," Pradhan asserted.

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