Union education minister and BJP’s Sambalpur Lok Sabha candidate, began his election campaign formally after visiting Dakeswari temple at Brahmanabila village under Chhendipada block in Angul district on Wednesday.
Pradhan touched the feet of saints of Mahima Dharma and took blessings of monks and elderly people of the village at the religious ceremony of the temple of goddess Dakeswari.
People fondly call Pradhan as ‘Muku bhai’. Youths were seen taking selfies with him during the campaign trail.
Pradhan met members of self-help groups and discussed their issues. As he belongs to Angul district, Pradhan tried to woo them by using their local dialect. He was feliciting elderly people of the village with a trademark smile. Villagers also took part in the campaign procession with Mridanga and percussion accompaniment.
He also posted a campaign song written, composed and sung by Bollywood singer Kailash Kher. “Odisha Parivartan is a soulful song that truly reflects the ‘Sankalp’ of Odisha,” said Pradhan in the X post.
Lana hai parivartan,
Pravartan lana hai…
During the campaign trail, Pradhan criticized state govt for not solving major issues of people related to basic amenities. He also urged voters to bring a double engine govt in Odisha for development of the state. “I have started my campaign from this village by taking blessings of goddess Dakeswari. Our motto is to make Narendra Modi prime minister of India for third term and form BJP govt in the state,” he added.
He said Modi govt has brought positive changes in the country. “Centre has started several programmes for the welfare of the poor. Our govt is working against corruption. “But in Odisha, many people are still waiting for clean water. People from Hirakud in Sambalpur district are suffering from diarrhoea due to lack of potable water. This cannot be called good governance. Minimum basic necessities are needed for the people. People need a double engine govt to get good facilities,” he added.
Later Pradhan attended a party meeting at Dhenkanal and paid obeisance to Maa Hingula at Talcher and Sri Nrusingha Dev near his native place. He also paid tribute to freedom fighter Pabitra Mohan Pradhan.
