Dharmendra Pradhan’s Triumphant Return to Union Cabinet Marks Political Milestone

With his triumphant return to the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dharmendra Pradhan, the prominent figure of the Odisha BJP, has marked a significant political milestone.

Born to former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan, Dharmendra, known as the ‘Ujjwala Man’ nationwide, has secured his place as the lone warrior from Odisha to hold a Union ministerial position for the third time.

Having served as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Pradhan played a pivotal role in the success of Modi’s PM Ujjwala Yojana, a scheme that provided free cooking gas cylinders to economically disadvantaged women.

During his tenure in the oil ministry, Pradhan set historical records as the longest-serving Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in independent India’s history, shaping crucial policies and initiatives in the hydrocarbon sector.

Additionally, his recent election to the Lok Sabha from Sambalpur, defeating BJD‘s Pranab Prakash Das, coupled with his party’s first government formation in Odisha, adds to Pradhan’s political feats.

Pradhan’s journey from being an ABVP cadre to a key member of the Sangh Parivar, following in the footsteps of his father, Debendra Pradhan, a former minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cabinet, showcases his deep-rooted political lineage.