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Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Education Minister, has emerged as a key figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) recent electoral successes, particularly in the state of Haryana. Despite early predictions favoring the Congress, the BJP secured a resounding victory in the Haryana Assembly elections, with Pradhan playing a crucial role as the party's election in-charge. His strategic prowess and ability to connect with voters on the ground are widely credited for this unexpected win.
Pradhan's political journey began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He rose through the ranks of the BJP, demonstrating his organizational skills and gaining the trust of party leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. His political acumen has been evident in various electoral battles across India, leading to significant victories for the BJP.
In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, Pradhan's efforts were instrumental in Suvendu Adhikari's victory over Mamata Banerjee in the Nandigram constituency. He also played a key role in the BJP's successful campaigns in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, securing decisive wins in both states. Prior to the Haryana elections, Pradhan was appointed as the in-charge for the Odisha elections, where the BJP achieved a historic win, forming the government in the state for the first time.
The Haryana elections presented a challenging scenario for the BJP, with concerns about anti-incumbency and discontent among certain voter groups. Pradhan, however, recognized the need for a ground-centric approach to address these concerns. He prioritized direct interaction with local party workers, building strong relationships and gathering valuable feedback. This information enabled him to tailor strategies and implement measures that resonated with voters.
Pradhan's ability to unite the party and quell dissent was evident in the handling of ticket distribution. He made tough decisions, including denying tickets to some senior leaders and sitting MLAs, and replacing them with new faces. He also effectively managed the ambitions of party leaders like Anil Vij, who had aspirations for the chief minister's post, ensuring that the party remained united and focused on the overall goal.
Pradhan's success in Haryana has solidified his position as a trusted lieutenant of Prime Minister Modi, and speculation is mounting that he may be considered for a leadership role within the BJP in the future. His ability to strategize, connect with voters, and navigate complex political landscapes makes him a valuable asset to the party, and his role in the BJP's future success will be keenly watched by political observers.
Source: Dharmendra Pradhan: PM Modi’s trusted lieutenant who charted BJP’s win in Haryana