Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday (October 6) revealed his aspiration to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Odisha and has formally conveyed his request to the party. In an interview with the news agency PTI, Pradhan underlined the BJP's overarching objective of securing a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in serving the nation.
"I wish to contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2024. I have already communicated my desire to the party and appealed for an opportunity. The BJP is dedicated to ensuring that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to serve the nation for a third term," he stated.
Currently serving as the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and holding a position in the Rajya Sabha, Pradhan acknowledged the significant challenge posed by the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc.
"I perceive this as a substantial challenge because the BJP and the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) do not take any election lightly. From grassroots workers to senior leaders, everyone approaches each election with great seriousness, with the Prime Minister leading from the forefront," he told PTI.
Speaking about the women's reservation bill, Pradhan lauded Prime Minister Modi's initiative in granting political representation to the women of the nation.
"The Congress allowed the women's reservation bill to lapse during its tenure and displayed no commitment towards it. They failed to champion the cause. They had the opportunity to pass it, but they chose not to," he critiqued.
Pradhan also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's call for a nationwide caste census, challenging him and his "family party" to provide an account of their efforts in supporting the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) and weaker sections of society over the past 75 years.