Bhubaneswar, July 30 (UDN): Senior BJP leader and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday held a high-level strategy meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, and senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party to review the state’s development priorities and discuss key governance issues.
The meeting, held in Bhubaneswar, brought together the party’s top leadership, including BJP Members of Parliament and senior office-bearers, to assess the progress of major developmental initiatives and coordinate efforts for the state’s future growth.
Following the discussions, Pradhan shared details on social media, stating that the deliberations focused on important issues related to Odisha’s development. He said the meeting included exchanges of views with the Chief Minister, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the party’s state in-charge, and BJP MPs on strengthening developmental activities across the state.
The meeting assumes significance as it was Pradhan’s first major political engagement in Odisha after his return to the state earlier this week following his resignation from the Union Cabinet.
Pradhan stepped down as the Union Minister for Education on July 25, accepting moral responsibility in the wake of the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination, including allegations of question paper leaks and other irregularities. His resignation drew national attention, with political leaders across party lines reacting to the development.
Upon his arrival in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, Pradhan received a warm welcome from BJP workers, state ministers, and party leaders at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, reflecting his continued influence within the party’s Odisha unit.
Soon after his resignation, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had praised Pradhan’s tenure as Union Education Minister, crediting him with spearheading several landmark reforms, including the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Majhi had also described Pradhan’s decision to resign as an example of political accountability and commitment to ethical public life.
Wednesday’s meeting is being viewed as an important coordination exercise between the BJP’s state and national leadership, with discussions aimed at accelerating Odisha’s development agenda and ensuring effective implementation of key government initiatives in the months ahead.
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