Puri, Nov 21: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri on Friday, offering prayers to the deities following the National Democratic Alliance’s massive victory in the Bihar elections.

Pradhan received a grand welcome after arriving in the holy town, with a procession leading him from Atharanala to the temple through the Grand Road. Members of the district BJP unit and servitors welcomed him before he entered the shrine.

The Union Minister had darshan of the Holy Trinity and sought blessings for continued development in Odisha. He also offered prayers at the shrines of Goddess Bimala, Goddess Mahalaxmi and other deities.

Pradhan later visited the ASI office near the southern gate of the temple to review ongoing conservation and repair work. On his way out, he spent some time at holy 'Baisi Pahachha' and paid obeisance near the 'Arun Stambh'.

Speaking to the media after his visit, Pradhan attributed the Bihar poll results to what he called the people’s “unwavering faith” in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government’s welfare schemes and the leadership of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He said the people of Bihar, including youth, students and women, have supported the NDA for two decades.

Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Pradhan accused him of “foreign-sponsored conspiracies.” He expressed hope that Lord Jagannath would “grant him better wisdom.”

Pradhan also welcomed the move to pursue efforts for the return of the famed 'Kohinoor' to India, calling it a positive step.

Also Read: Massive Welcome For Dharmendra Pradhan After NDA’s Bihar Poll Triumph

As per his programme, Pradhan will later travel to Cuttack in the evening, where he will pay obeisance at the Chandi Temple and attend the 126th birth anniversary celebrations of former Odisha Chief Minister Utkal Keshari Harekrushna Mahatab.

On Saturday, the Union Minister will be in Bhadrak, where he is slated to participate in a mass run organised to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

In Odisha, Pradhan’s visit is being seen as part of a wave of congratulations pouring in for his leadership and organisational groundwork that contributed significantly to the NDA’s success in Bihar.