Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, born on April 3, 1963, is a prominent Indian politician affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He hails from Gopalpur, Odisha, and has established a significant political career in the region. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 elections, taking over the seat previously held by Chandra Sekhar Sahu(
Educational Background and Career: Panigrahy holds a Master’s degree in Law and has worked as an advocate, which has contributed to his understanding of legal and legislative matters(
His legal expertise has likely played a role in his political strategies and initiatives.
Political Journey: Before joining the BJP, Panigrahy was a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), where he served three terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and held ministerial positions(. His relationship with the BJD began to sour, culminating in his expulsion from the party in November 2020, amid allegations of anti-people activities(After this fallout, he joined the BJP in February 2024, citing inspiration from
Political Views and Initiatives: Since joining the BJP, Panigrahy has positioned himself as a critic of the BJD government, accusing it of corruption and autocracy. He advocates for a “double-engine government” to improve governance in Odisha and fulfill the aspirations of its citizens His commitment to his constituency is evident as he emphasizes the need for change in local governance to address the challenges faced by the people of Odisha.
Panigrahy is married to Sujata Panigrahy and has two children(
As he embarks on his new role in Parliament, his past experiences and current motivations will likely shape his contributions to both his constituency and the broader political landscape of Odisha.