Pratap Jena is a senior Indian politician from Odisha and a prominent leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Born on June 3, 1966, in Cuttack, Odisha, he has played an important role in Odisha politics for more than two decades. Popularly known as “Lulu,” he has represented the Mahanga constituency for five consecutive terms in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
He completed his schooling in Cuttack and later pursued higher education at Ravenshaw University, earning B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mathematics. He also completed his LL.B. from Madhusudan Law College, Cuttack, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM).
Pratap Jena started his political journey through student politics in the mid-1980s. He served as the President of the students’ union at Madhusudan Law College and later became the State President of Chhatra Janata Dal and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal.
Over the years, he has held several important ministerial positions in the Odisha Government. He served as Minister of School & Mass Education, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Law, Information & Public Relations, and later as Cabinet Minister for Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Housing & Urban Development, and Law.
During his tenure as Health Minister, Odisha witnessed major developments in healthcare infrastructure, including the inauguration of multiple medical colleges, hospitals, healthcare schemes, and public welfare initiatives. He played a key role in implementing programs such as NIDAAN, SAHAY, AMA CLINIC, ANMOL, Khushi Scheme, and Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
He has also been recognized for his administrative leadership, surprise inspections of hospitals and public institutions, and efforts toward strengthening healthcare and judicial systems in Odisha.
Pratap Jena remains an influential political figure in Odisha and continues contributing to public service and regional development.