Bhubaneswar: The Odisha unit of BJP today got a reason to cheer as senior leader Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for Petroleum, was allotted a cabinet berth in the third major cabinet reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
The party activists in the regional headquarters celebrated Pradhan's elevation to Cabinet rank with extra responsibility of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Leaders, workers and State heavy weights created a joyful ambience at the head office in Bhubaneswar by exchanging sweets among themselves and beating drums and dancing at the time when Pradhan was taking oath in Delhi.
They opined that Dharmendra’s promotion would definitely boost the morale of party workers in the State to achieve the target that has been set by the national president.
"The elevation of Dharmendra Pradhan will encourage the workers at grassroots level which would definitely reflect on our agenda to capture 120 seats in Odisha as set by Amit Shah," said Basant Panda, State BJP president.
Similarly, Pradhan has vowed to give best for PM's New India Mission along with the development of eastern Indian States especially Odisha while expressing his deep gratitude to Modi.
"I am grateful to honourable Prime Minister as he has given me an opportunity to act as a soldier in his government and for giving due honour to Odia community. I will try to give best performance for his New India mission and development of Odisha and other eastern Indian States which would influence the development of country," an elated Pradhan reacted soon after the oath taking ceremony.
"Perhaps, Odisha had never got such importance as PM Modi has given today," he added.
It is said that his reformative steps in petroleum sector, successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launching of PAHAL and successfully persuading LPG consumers to adopt 'Give It Up' campaign have played a pivotal role behind his elevation. Besides, his role as Uttarakhand's in-charge in increasing seats, remarkable performance in Odisha rural polls are also some other reasons which are said to have acted as blessings for Pradhan.