Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and sought the blessings of the Lord on Monday, a day after being nominated by BJP as its candidate for Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency.
Dharmendra, who offered prayers at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri earlier in the day, said he would also visit Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur to seek the blessings of the goddess.
Expressing happiness over his nomination, the Union Education and Skill Development Minister said that he would contribute towards the ‘Maha Abhiyan’ started under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “After taking blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and Mahaprabhu Lingaraj, I will go to Maa Samalei now,” he said.
Noting that the Maha Abhiyan of the PM is a resolution for both the country as a whole as well as states, Dharmendra said Odisha will celebrate its 100th year of statehood in 2036 and India its 100th year of Independence in 2047. Therefore, the next 12 years will be very important for Odisha and 25 years for the country.
Also Read: Wave Of Change Clearly Visible In Odisha, Says BJP’s Dharmendra Pradhan
Stating that the BJP-led government at the Centre has been focussing on the welfare of the poor, he said many schemes have been launched for empowering women, youth, farmers and poor people.
Asserting that BJP will fight for Odia pride, the Union Minister said Odia pride, Odia identity, and Odia self-esteem should be upheld. For this, BJP will step up its ‘Lok Sampark Abhiyan’ (public relationship campaign), he said.
Also Read: BJP Will Win Over 15 Lok Sabha Seats In Odisha: Aparajita Sarangi
