By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan gave a strong political signal after the NDA’s massive victory in Bihar. As the election in-charge of the Bihar BJP, Pradhan returned to Odisha, where he received an extremely warm and powerful welcome from thousands of supporters, party workers, and leaders. The celebration was so intense that chants of “Dharmendra Pradhan Zindabad” filled the airport road for several kilometres.
However, the welcome ceremony also revealed a new phase of internal tension within the Odisha BJP. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, in an attempt to dilute Dharmendra Pradhan’s grand reception, reportedly held a 6-hour cabinet meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on the same day. According to party workers, no minister was allowed to leave during that period, not even to use the bathroom. Only Minister Suryabanshi Suraj managed to reach the airport to welcome Pradhan.
Despite this, Dharmendra Pradhan’s roadshow remained historic. Holding a gamucha and waving to supporters, he hinted in his speech that he would return to Odisha very soon. This one sentence has intensified political discussions within the state, increasing pressure on the Mohan Majhi government.
There is a growing perception among a large section of the public and BJP workers that Dharmendra Pradhan is the most deserving leader for the Chief Minister’s position. Even today, nearly 90% of Odisha’s people believe that Dharmendra Pradhan should lead the state’s government.
The dissatisfaction among BJP workers is also becoming visible. Many have openly expressed their anger at Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and BJP President Manmohan Samal for not organising an official welcome ceremony at the state party headquarters. This decision has caused discomfort within the party, especially when Dharmendra Pradhan has emerged as the tallest BJP leader after the Bihar victory.
Pradhan’s strong statement, “Fasten your seatbelts”, has now become a symbolic message. This suggests that significant political developments may unfold in Odisha soon. His rising popularity and national significance have placed him at the centre of Odisha’s political landscape, making his next move crucial for the future of the state’s leadership.
