People of rich Odisha remained poor due to Congress, BJD: PM Modi in Berhampur

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Double engine in Odisha, BJPs CM will take oath on June 10 in Bhubaneswar: PM Modi in Berhampur

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the state to a grand welcome on Sunday and addressed the first public meeting in Berhampur today. The Vijay Sankalp Samavesh in Berhampur, Modi started his address by speaking in Odia. I was in Ayodhya yesterday and had darshan of Ram Lalla and today I am on [] The post Double engine in Odisha, BJPs CM will take oath on June 10 in Bhubaneswar: PM Modi in Berhampur appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Expiry date of BJD govt in Odisha is June 4: PM Modi at Berhampur rally

Odisha's Abundance Coexists with Poverty, PM Modi Highlights in Berhampur Rally

Odisha's Abundance Coexists with Poverty, PM Modi Highlights in Berhampur Rally Odisha has fertile land, mineral resources, sea coasts, but people are still poor: PM Modi at Berhampur rally.

Odisha needs a chief minister who prioritizes local language and culture: PM Modi's call at Berhampur rally

Odisha needs a chief minister who prioritizes local language and culture: PM Modi's call at Berhampur rally Odisha needs a chief minister who understands Odia language, culture: PM Modi at Berhampur rally.

Centre, State to Work in Tandem to Boost Odisha's Development: PM Modi at Berhampur Rally

Centre, State to Work in Tandem to Boost Odisha's Development: PM Modi at Berhampur Rally Odisha will soon get 'double engine' govt for the first time: PM Modi at Berhampur rally.

BJD drops 30 per cent sitting MLAs, half of its MPs

BHUBANESWAR: The BJD has dropped at least 30 per cent of its sitting MLAs and 50 per cent of sitting MPs this simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Although it was speculated that the regional party, which aims to return to the power for the sixth consecutive term, would drop more than 50 per cent of its sitting MLAs on the basis of their performance, the failed talks on alliance with BJP forced it to retain some of the sitting lawmakers. Party sources said 33 sitting MLAs of the 112 elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2019 and six MPs of the 12 who won in the last elections have been denied tickets. Among the incumbent MPs, while Dhenkanal MP Mahesh Sahoo and Nabarangpur MP Ramesh Majhi have been fielded from Hindol and Jharigam Assembly constituencies respectively, Bhartruhari Mahtab resigned from the party and got nomination from BJP in Cuttack. Political observers believe BJD has attempted to revitalise its image and appeal to a broader spectrum of voters by replacing the incumbent lawmakers. The party has been successful in poaching two disgruntled former BJP leaders, who have been fielded from two prestigious constituencies - Berhampur and Balasore. It has also reposed faith on former Congress leaders in Kendrapara, Balangir and Keonjhar constituencies. However, nine family members of the dropped MLAs have managed to bag tickets. They are Archanarekha Behera (wife of Subrat Tarai) from Raghunathpali, Preetinanda Kanungo (wife of Rajkishore Das) from Morada, Sanjukta Singh (wife of Rajanikant Singh) from Angul, Ankit Pratap Jena (son of Pratap Jena) from Mahanga, Chinmayananda Srirup Deb (son of Usha Devi) from Chikiti, Gitanjali Routray (wife of Sambit Routray) from Paradip, Ramesh Majhi (brother of Prakash Majhi), Sanghamitra Swain (wife of Purna Chandra Swain) from Surada and Kausalya Pradhani (wife of Sadasiva Pradhani) from Nabarangpur. Besides, the party has fielded sitting Bangiriposi MLA Sudam Marndi as Lok Sabha candidate from Mayurbhanj and his wife Ranjita Marndi as the nominee from Bangiriposi Assembly segment. Similarly, Korei MLA Pranab Prakash Das has been fielded as the Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur and his mother Sandhyarani Das from Korei seat. The regional party has taken the lead by nominating 33 per cent (seven) women candidates for Lok Sabha and 23 per cent (35) in Assembly polls. However, the decision to drop sitting MLAs and MPs could have far-reaching implications for the BJDs future political fortunes. A senior BJD leader said by replacing candidates with stronger contenders, the party aims at maximising its chances of winning more seats. Public sentiments and winnability also factored into the decision, he said.

Phulbani exclusion from new line irks Railway Ministry

BHUBANESWAR: The proposed Gopalpur-Phulbani-Sambalpur railway line has run into rough weather with both the state and Centre at loggerheads over its alignment leading to delay in finalisation of the detailed project report (DPR). The new line, sanctioned in 2019, may take a political turn as Odisha government has often blamed the Centre for ignoring the states demand on various railway projects. Sources said the Odisha Rail Infrastructure Development Limited (ORIDL), a joint venture between the state government and the Ministry of Railways, entrusted with the job to carry out the project submitted a study report of Berhampur (Gopalpur)-Sambalpur new line project in May 2019. It was then proposed to connect four parliamentary constituencies - Berhampur, Aska, Kandhamal, and Sambalpur. As per the in-principle approval accorded by Railway Board in July 2019 for carrying out pre-investment activities like detailed engineering survey and preparation of DPR, the 240.5 km line was to pass through Phulbani at an estimated Rs 5,765 crore. However, the tussle between the state and the Centre started after ORIDL revised the alignment with some alterations in the route bypassing Phulbani and connected it to the proposed line to Balangir-Khurda Road railway line near Madhapur via Chakapada. The JV cited Phulbani is located on a plateau, around 485 metre from mean sea level (about 400 metre above Boudh) and there was no originating or terminating traffic to and from the town. Given its altitude, all freight traffic from Gopalpur to Rairakhol and vice-versa would have to undergo ascent and descent of steep gradients and sharp curves which would significantly reduce the capacity in the ghat section and involve higher operational cost and energy consumption, it stated. In a letter to the Railway Board, ORIDL said It is feasible to take the alignment around the foot of the hill group via Chakapada and Madhapur and reach Boudh without passing through Phulbani. The new line can be constructed adjacent to the proposed Khurda-Balangir line between Madhapur and Boudh. The JV also proposed to connect Phulbani from Adenigarh by constructing an additional line and estimated the project cost at Rs 8,418.11 crore which included Rs 2,222.66 crore for the connectivity to Phulbani involving 26 tunnels with a cumulative length of 15.86 km. ORIDL had suggested to take up Gopalpur-Rirakhol via Chakapada and Madhapur under JV model through debt and equity and the Phulbani connectivity separately through budgetary support by the Ministry of Railways. This revised alignment seems to have irked the Ministry of Railway which has returned the DPR asking ORIDL to prepare a fresh project report by including Phulbani. Phulbani is an important tourist destination but has no railway connectivity which was a long standing demand of people from Kandhamal district. Though already four months have passed since the DPR was returned, ORIDL is yet to respond or submit the fresh report, said a senior railway official. No ORIDL official was available for comment.

PM Modi arrives in Bhubaneswar; to hold public rallies in Berhampur & Nabarangpur on Monday

PM Modi Arrives In Bhubaneswar, To Address Rallies In Ganjam & Nabarangpur On The post PM Modi arrives in Bhubaneswar; to hold public rallies in Berhampur & Nabarangpur on Monday appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Prime Minister Modi commences Odisha visit, to address rallies amidst election campaign

Prime Minister Modi commences Odisha visit, to address rallies amidst election campaign Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Sunday night to lead the BJP's campaign for its candidates on Monday, officials said. Modi was received by senior BJP leaders including partys Odisha unit president Manmohan Samal and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. Modi was seen flashing a lotus symbol to people who were standing on both sides of the road connecting the airport with Raj Bhavan. He is likely to visit Shree Lingaraj temple in the city on Monday morning, sources said. The PM is scheduled to address two election rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur on Monday. Sarangi said Modi will again visit Odisha on May 10 and hold a road show here. He will address an election rally in Bolangir on May 11, she added. Modi arrived at the state capital hours after BJP president J P Nadda left the city after releasing the partys manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha and assembly elections to be held between May 13 and June 1.

BJP's Odisha Manifesto Unveils 3.5 Lakh Job Creation Plan in 5 Years

BJP's Odisha Manifesto Unveils 3.5 Lakh Job Creation Plan in 5 Years The BJP on Sunday released its manifesto for the assembly elections in Odisha, promising 3.5 lakh jobs in five years, cash voucher of Rs 50,000 for women, returning the money people lost by investing in chit fund companies, and procurement of paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal. The manifesto, titled 'Modi Ka Guarantee for Odisha 2024', was released by BJP president JP Nadda for the four-phase elections to Odisha's 147-member assembly, which will be held simultaneously with polls for the state's 21 Lok Sabha seats, starting on May 13. In the manifesto, the BJP promised 'Samrudh Krushak Niti', under which paddy will be procured at Rs 3,100 per quintal and the money will be credited to the bank accounts of farmers within 48 hours. If voted to power, the BJP said it will launch 'Subhadra Yojana' under which every woman will receive a cash voucher of Rs 50,000 which can be encashed over two years. ''We will aim to create 25 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' in Odisha by 2027. For this, we will create industrial clusters for every 500 self-help groups, wherein we will provide facility management for product marketing and promotion,'' Nadda said. The BJP promised to build 'Odia Samudaya Bhawan' in all metro cities of the country for the welfare of Odia people living outside the state. The party promised an annual lean period allowance of Rs 10,000 to every fisherman, construction of 75,000 km of roads in the state, Rs 5,000 scholarship per year to tribal students, and Rs 3,000 monthly pension for all senior citizens, physically disabled persons, widows and destitute. The BJP promised to provide 3.5 lakh jobs by 2029 and said it will fill up 65,000 vacant government posts in a transparent manner within two years. It promised that it would return the money people lost by investing in chit-fund companies within 18 months, and implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme within 100 days. The BJP also promised medical, engineering and law courses in Odia, and set up IT parks at Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Berhampur and Balasore, besides textile parks in western Odisha. If voted to power, the BJP said it would expand the capacity of government hospitals by 36,000 beds, modernise ICUs, dialysis units and operations theaters, and establish nursing colleges, medical colleges and super speciality hospitals in every district. Alleging that the BJD government in the state mismanaged the Jagannath temple in Puri, Nadda said, ''We will expedite the investigation of the missing key of the Ratna Bhandar, and make its inventory public.'' All the mutts evicted during the redevelopment project will be fairly compensated and re-established, and all four gates of the temple will be opened for devotees, he said. Nadda alleged that violence against women has increased in the state under the Naveen Patnaik government, and scores of BJD leaders are involved in atrocities such as rape and murder.

Modi, Nadda on two-day Odisha visit from Sunday

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda will arrive in Bhubaneswar on Sunday on their two-day visit to Odisha. PM Modi is scheduled to arrive in the Odisha capital around 9.30 pm and will make a night halt at Raj Bhavan. He will address election rallies at Berhampur and Nabarangpur on Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

PM Modi, BJP Chief Nadda Embark on Two-Day Odisha Sojourn from Sunday

PM Modi, BJP Chief Nadda Embark on Two-Day Odisha Sojourn from Sunday Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda will arrive in Bhubaneswar on Sunday on their two-day visit to Odisha. PM Modi is scheduled to arrive in the Odisha capital around 9.30 pm and will make a night halt at Raj Bhavan. He will address election rallies at Berhampur and Nabarangpur on Monday, a BJP leader said. PM Modi will again come to the state on May 10, when he will lead a road show in Bhubaneswar. On the following day, he would address an election rally in Bolangir, he said. Odisha Police have tightened security arrangements for the PM's visit on Sunday. Tight security will be ensured from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Raj Bhavan on Sunday evening, a police officer said. Nadda, on the other hand, is slated to reach Bhubaneswar this afternoon. He is scheduled to release the election manifesto of the state unit of the BJP in Bhubaneswar around 3 pm. The BJP president will also hold meetings with party leaders and workers in Bhubaneswar and neighbouring Cuttack to discuss the party's strategies for the ensuing Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. The state will go to polls from May 13 to June 1.

Rayagada: Creating voter awareness the tribal way

BERHAMPUR: The Rayagada administration, in a bid to ensure 100 per cent voting in the elections, has come up with two unique initiatives to encourage people to exercise their right to vote. As per the direction of collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, officials of the district administration have been moving door-to-door to distribute handmade bamboo fans in the remote areas sensitising people about their voting rights. Painted with details of the polling booths in Idital, a form of Saura painting, these fans have messages like, Mu nischaya vote debi (I will definitely vote) and ama vote ama bala (my vote my responsibility), asking voters to cooperate for a free, fair and impartial election. In the second initiative, the administration is distributing invitation cards with slogans imprinted in local dialects like, Muin misha vote debi-apana misha vote debe. The three Assembly constituencies of the district - Rayagada, Bissamcuttack and Gunupur will go to polls on May 13. Sources said Rayagada has around 32,189 new voters. It had registered 75 pc polling in the 2019 elections. Officials of the district administration said the use of bamboo fans has also augmented the business of the artisans making bamboo fans. Sub-collector Kalyani Sanghamitra Devi said using bamboo fans to create voter awareness is a cost-effective and environment-friendly option.

Voting from home for first phase polls in Odisha begins

BHUBANESWAR: Voting from home for the elderly and persons with disabilities (PwDs) has begun in several districts under Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Berhampur and Koraput constituencies that will go to polls in the fourth phase (first phase for Odisha) on May 13. As a part of the drive to ensure accessible and inclusive voting in the state, three polling officials, a police personnel and booth level officer visited voters houses with a postal ballot which was used by the voters to cast his or her votes. Official sources said voting from home in all blocks of Kalahandi district began on Friday while blocks in districts of Nuapada, Koraput and Kalahandi were covered on Saturday. Subsequently, the process will begin in Ganjam district. As per reports of CEO, 4,158 PwDs and senior citizens aged 85 and above (categorised as very senior citizens) across 28 Assembly segments under the four constituencies have opted for voting from home for the May 13 polls. While 2,196 are aged above 85, 1,962 are PwDs. The highest number of such voters in both the categories are from Kalahandi constituency. For logistical convenience, this time, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the vote-from-home facility to PwDs and very senior citizens. Very senior citizens and PwDs with 40 per cent benchmark disability can still avail the optional home voting facility. However, these voters will not be eligible to cast their votes physically at the booths. On the occasion, chief electoral officer Nikunja Dhal congratulated voters who cast their votes from home and said it is a historic move. Official sources said voting from home for the fifth phase - Bargarh, Sundargarh, Balangir, Kandhamal and Aska - will begin soon. In Odisha, there are 3.02 lakh senior citizens who are aged 85 and above and 4.57 lakh PwDs. Last month, district administrations had launched door-to-door campaigns to provide form 12D, a letter informing the assistant returning officer that the person may not be in a position to go to the polling station and should be allowed to vote in their homes, to very senior citizens and PwDs.

CMs new poll pitch: Is Naveen good?

KORAPUT/BERHAMPUR/BHUBANESWAR: In a marked shift from the Apana mane khushi ta (Are you happy about with the government) pitch, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik seems to be making a bid to turn the focus on himself during these elections. While campaigning in four southern districts on Saturday, the party supremo departed from his earlier style of electioneering and wanted to know more about himself and the performance of schemes introduced by his government. At Majhiguda in Nabarangpur, Naveen began his address by asking the gathering Naveen Patnaik bhala ki? (Is Naveen Patnaik good?). As people gathered there stood up from their seats and responded in affirmative, the chief minister went on asking Apana mane bhala achhanti ta (Are you all good?). The BJD president lambasted the BJP stating the Opposition is telling lies and spreading misinformation. Its leaders are shedding crocodile tears. They are not supporting development in the state. Bless me and BJDs MLA and MP candidates, he said. Highlighting various schemes launched by the BJD government in the state, the chief minister said his government has been ensuring welfare of 4.5 crore people of Odisha with a battery of schemes and people-friendly initiatives. Be it Mamata, KALIA, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), Mission Shakti or other welfare programmes, all are aimed at upliftment of the people in the state, he said. Naveen also tried to strike a chord with the people by asking 11 questions on whether the welfare schemes launched by the state government are good and whether they were getting the benefits. Are the BSKY, Mamata, Mission Shakti, KALIA, Puri Parikrama project, Laxmi Bus, school transformation and Nua-O scholarship schemes good?, he questioned the public and sought their blessings to continue the programmes in future. After addressing the meeting in Nabarangpur district, the BJD supremo addressed three massive election rallies at OMP ground in Koraput, Tikiri in Rayagada district and Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district. Addressing a meeting at Paralakhemundi under Berhampur parliamentary constituency, the chief minister urged people not to vote for a thief. Without taking the name of the BJP candidate, he said, Dont give your vote to a thief. 5T chairman VK Pandian listed out welfare schemes and sought votes for BJD candidates to continue the development agenda of the chief minister, who he said is working day and night for development of the state.

50 per cent netas in fray for May 13 LS elections are crorepatis

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha seems to be shedding its poor state tag, if the property of the netas contesting this election are any indication. Nearly half of the candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections in the state in phase IV are crorepatis. Interestingly, of the four constituencies - Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Berhampur that are going to polls on May 13, three were unpopular as most backward regions for a long time. As per an analysis of affidavits by Odisha Election Watch and Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), an election watchdog, of 37 candidates, including seven women, in the fray, 17 have assets worth more than Rs 1 crore. While all four contenders of both BJP and BJD are crorepatis, three from Congress, four Independents, one each from Naba Bharat Nirman Seva Party (NBNSP) and Bharatiya Bikash Parishad (BBP) have assets of over Rs 1 crore. The average assets per candidate contesting in this phase is Rs 3.7 crore. BJPs candidates are richer than others as their average assets is Rs 13.76 crore and that of Congress is Rs 3.64 crore and BJD Rs 3.11 crore. BJPs Kalahandi candidate Malvika Devi is the richest with total assets worth over Rs 41.89 crore, followed by Independent candidate of Berhampur constituency V Chandra Shekhar, who has declared assets of Rs 28.7 crore. The BBP nominee for Berhampur Rajendra Dalabehera has assets worth Rs 10.3 crore. BJPs Balabhadra Majhi from Nabarangpur has assets of Rs 7.88 crore and Pradeep Panigrahy from Berhampur has assets of Rs 3.78 crore. Among BJD leaders, Berhampur candidate Bhrugu Baxipatra owns assets of Rs 5.25 crore, followed by Kausalya Hikaka of Koraput (Rs 3.5 crore) and Pradeep Majhi of Nabarangpur (Rs 2.32 crore). With assets worth over Rs 7 crore, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka from Koraput is the richest among Congress candidates. The partys Berhampur candidate Rashmi Ranjan Patnaik has assets of over Rs 4 crore and Nabarangpur candidate Bhujabal Majhi has assets of Rs 2.97 crore. As per the ADR report, SUCI (C) candidate for Koraput Lok Sabha segment Pramila Pujari is the poorest candidate as she has assets of only Rs 20,625. Panigrahy has the highest liabilities worth Rs 3.82 crore. The analysis indicated that seven of the candidates have declared criminal cases pending against them and six of them face serious criminal charges for which maximum punishment is five years or more. Maximum 17 cases are pending against BJDs Nabarangpur candidate, nine against Panigrahy, seven against Baxipatra, three each against Bhujabal and Kaliram, two against Balabhadra and one against Congress candidate from Kalahandi Droupadi Majhi. Altogether 14 candidates have declared their educational qualification to be between Class V and Class XII while 14 candidates are graduates and six are post graduates. Four among them are aged between 61 and 70 years, 23 are in the age group of 41 to 60 and 10 are aged between 25 to 40 years, the report added. Rich and yearning for more The average assets per candidate contesting in 1st phase (in the state) is Rs 3.7 crore BJPs candidates average assets is Rs 13.76 crore BJPs Kalahandi candidate Malvika Devi the richest with assets worth over Rs 41.89 crore With assets worth over Rs 7 crore, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka from Koraput is the richest among Congress candidates

Modi to visit Odisha twice to bolster BJP campaign

BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Odisha twice in the next one week to bolster BJPs election campaign in the state. BJP national president JP Nadda and other senior leaders are also scheduled to visit the state to release the partys manifesto and give push to campaign activities of candidates for the ensuing elections. BJP state unit leaders said the prime minister will reach Bhubaneswar at around 9.30 pm on Sunday and make a night halt. He will address two public rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur the next day. Modi will hold a mega roadshow in the state capital on May 10 and address a public meeting in Balangir the next day to canvas for BJP candidates. The visit of the prime minister will give a new direction to the partys campaigning in the state and also pave way for a positive change in the elections, said BJP state unit vice-president Golak Mohapatra. The next three days will be crucial for us as our national president JP Nadda will also visit the state on Sunday to release the partys election manifesto here, he said. The saffron party has already escalated its battle against BJD with the prime minister himself taking the lead with his recent Odia Asmita remark in a TV interview. Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during their recent visit to the state had also attacked the regional party asking voters to throw BJD government out to make Odisha number 1 in the country. Similarly, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in his media address here on Saturday called for support to BJP for formation of a government in the state that could work in close-co-ordination with the Modi government at Centre to expedite development and progress in Odisha. Party sources said senior BJP leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma will also visit different parts of the state to canvass for the BJP candidates.

PM Modi to Embark on Bhubaneswar Roadshow on May 10

PM Modi to Embark on Bhubaneswar Roadshow on May 10 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lead a roadshow in Bhubaneswar on May 10, party leader Aparajita Sarangi said on Saturday. In a post on X, Sarangi, the MP of Bhubaneswar, urged the people to extend a grand welcome to the prime minister. The roadshow will cover three assembly segments in the city -- Ekamra-Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar North and Bhubaneswar Central. It will begin at Fire Station Square around 9 pm and culminate at Jayadev Vihar. Sarangi is seeking a re-election from the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency. She held a meeting with the party's candidates for the seven assembly seats that form the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency and discussed the preparations for the roadshow. Meanwhile, the PM is scheduled to address election rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur on Monday. State BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra said he is scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar on Sunday night. Berhampur, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Koraput will go to the polls on May 13, while Bhubaneswar will vote on May 25. Police said elaborate security arrangements have been made in Bhubaneswar for the PM's latest visit. DCP Prateek Singh said the PM will land at the Bhubaneswar airport at 9.30 pm on Sunday, and then he will head to the Raj Bhavan where he will spend the night.

PM Modi to visit Odisha twice in a gap of 4 days to hold poll rallies, road shows

Bhubaneswar: Keen to wrest power from the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making its last ditch effort to see that the party gets an absolute majority in the forthcoming polls for the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The saffron party has lined up almost all the top guns, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, to add further momentum to the party's ongoing high-decibel campaign. The party is also eying to win at least 16 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The polls for Lok Sabha and Odisha Legislative Assembly will be held simultaneously in four phases - on May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Odisha twice in a gap of four days to campaign for the party candidates. He will have two poll rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur on May 6 and a road show in Bhubaneswar on May 10. In Berhampur, the BJP has fielded Pradeep Panigrahy, a one-time close aide of Odisha CM and BJD president Naveen Pantaik, who quit the party recently and joined the saffron party. In Nabarangpur, the party has landed former Lok Sabha member Balabhadra Majhi. According to political observers, the PMs visits to the state in a short interval of four days shows the BJPs seriousness to fight the Lok Sabha and Odisha Legislative Assembly elections. The BJP has been desperately trying since 2009 to form its government in the state by unseating the 24-year-old BJD government. However, it has not succeeded in its attempt as it lacked orgnisational bases. The party has lined up a battery of its central leaders this time to canvas for the party candidates. It clearly indicates, it wants to leave no stone unturned to capture power in the state, said Prasanna Mohanty, a political analyst. Sources said the PM will have at least six election rallies in Odisha by May 30.

Crorepati Candidates Dominate Odisha Lok Sabha Polls: A Detailed Analysis of Wealth Distribution

Puri: In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Odisha on May 13, 37 candidates are contesting for the four parliamentary seats of Nabarangpur, Berhampur, Koraput, and Kalahandi. According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), 17 of these candidates, which is 46 per cent, are crorepatis. Among the candidates, both the BJP and BJD nominees for the four Lok Sabha seats are crorepatis. Additionally, three Congress candidates, four independent candidates, one from Bharatiya Bikash Parishad, and one from Naba Bharata Nirmana Seva Party have declared assets worth over Rs 1 crore, as per the ADR report. The richest candidate contesting is Malvika Devi of the BJP, with total assets worth Rs 41.89 crore, standing for the Kalahandi LS seat. She is followed by independent candidate V Chandra Shekhar from Berhampur with Rs 28.70 crore, and Rajendra Dalabehera of Bharatiya Bikash Parishad with Rs 10.30 crore, also contesting from Berhampur. On the other hand, the poorest candidate, as per the report, is Pramila Pujari from SUCI(C), contesting for the Koraput MP seat, with assets worth only Rs 20,625. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, the BJP nominee for Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency, has the highest liabilities worth Rs 3.82 crore. The educational qualifications of the candidates show that 14 (38 per cent) have passed between class 5 and 12, while 22 (59 per cent) are graduates. Only one candidate declared themselves as literate. Out of the 37 candidates, only seven are female. Moreover, 10 (27 per cent) candidates are aged between 25 to 40 years, while 23 (62 per cent) are in the age group of 41 to 60 years. Four (11 per cent) candidates fall between the ages of 61 and 70. The report also reveals that seven (19 per cent) candidates have declared criminal cases pending against them. Malaysia Teams Up with MWL to Host Big Religious Conference in Asia Maruti Swift vs. Tata Tiago EV: Features and Price Comparison Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mega Campaigning in Ayodhya: All You Need to Know

Four Odisha Lok Sabha Seats Witness Contest of 17 Crorepatis

Four Odisha Lok Sabha Seats Witness Contest of 17 Crorepatis Bhubaneswar, May 4 (PT) Of the 37 candidates in the fray for the four Lok Sabha seats in Odisha going to the polls on May 13, as many as 17 are crorepatis, according to a report. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said a total of 37 candidates are in the fray for the Nabarangpur, Berhampur, Koraput and Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituencies, of which 17 (46 per cent) candidates have declared their assets worth more than Rs 1 crore. The BJP and BJD candidates for the four Lok Sabha seats are crorepatis. Three Congress nominees, four independent candidates, one from Bharatiya Bikash Parishad and another from Naba Bharata Nirmana Seva Party have also announced their properties worth over Rs 1 crore, according to the ADR report. With total assets of Rs 41.89 crore, the BJP candidate for the Kalahandi LS seat, Malvika Devi is the richest candidate. She was followed by independent candidate for the Berhampur constituency, V Chandra Shekhar (Rs 28.70 crore) and Bharatiya Bikash Parishad nominee for Berhampur, Rajendra Dalabehera (Rs 10.30 crore). As per the report, the SUCI(C) candidate for the Koraput MP seat, Pramila Pujari is the poorest candidate. Pujari declared that she has assets of only Rs 20,625. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, the BJP nominee for Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency, has the highest liabilities worth Rs 3.82 crore. Similarly, 14 (38 per cent) candidates have declared their educational qualification to be between class 5 and 12 passed, while 22 (59 per cent) candidates have declared they are graduates. One candidate has declared himself to be just literate. Out of 37 candidates, only seven are female. Besides, 10 (27 per cent) candidates have declared their age to be between 25 to 40 years while 23 (62 per cent) candidates are in the age group of 41 to 60 years. There are four (11 per cent) candidates whose age is between 61 and 70 years. As many as seven (19 per cent) candidates have declared they have criminal cases pending against them, the report said.

PM Modi to Hold Massive Election Rallies in Odisha on May 6

PM Modi to Hold Massive Election Rallies in Odisha on May 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda are scheduled to visit Odisha over the next few days to campaign for the simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Modi is slated to address two political rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday, a party leader said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also scheduled to embark on a two-day visit to the state from Saturday, during which he will meet intellectuals and journalists. Nadda, who had addressed a rally in Berhampur on April 28, will again visit Odisha on Sunday to chalk out election strategies, BJP state unit vice-president Golak Mohapatra told reporters here. ''The BJP chief will attend party programmes in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The EAM will be on a two-day visit to Odisha during which he will attend several events in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Sambalpur,'' Mohapatra said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had launched the BJP's election campaign in Odisha on April 25 from Sonepur. Simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections will be held in Odisha in four phases from May 13.

Severe heatwave may spare first phase voting in Odisha, says IMD

BHUBANESWAR: Voters in the state may be spared the heat torture as the blistering conditions are expected to abate during the next couple of weeks. Odisha will vote in the last four legs of the general elections and it starts on May 13. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) which issued the extended range outlook for two weeks - May 3-9 and May 10-16 said isolated thunderstorm activity is expected in the state between May 10 and 16. This will likely push maximum day temperature below normal to near normal at many places during the period. Elections to four Lok Sabha seats - Nabarangpur, Berhampur, Koraput and Kalahandi and 28 Assembly constituencies will be held on May 13. Odisha is likely to get respite from heatwave from May 9 to 16 under the influence of rainfall and thundershower activity, said Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre scientist, Umasankar Das. Meanwhile, day temperature started dipping slightly and heatwave condition is expected to subside from next week onwards. The mercury is likely to dip gradually by 3 degree Celsius to 4 degree C at many places May 6 onwards due to rainfall and thundershower activity, said the Met office. Weather experts said moisture incursion from Bay of Bengal has strengthened and may trigger thundershowers next week. The thundershower activity will remain strong till May 11 but will take time for the mercury level to rise again. However, scorching heat will continue in parts of the state for two more days. Maximum day temperature is likely to remain above normal by 3 degree C to 4 degree C and heatwave expected to prevail in some places till Sunday. On the day, 26 places recorded 40 degree C or more and Boudh was the hottest at 44.6 degree C. After some respite for 24 hours, mercury level again witnessed a rise in Bhubaneswar as the city recorded 41.6 degree C. The day temperature in the capital was above normal by 3.9 degree C. Neighbouring Cuttack recorded 40.5 degree C and it was warmer by 3.2 degree C. The day temperature in the capital city is likely to remain around 40 degree C on Saturday.

Opposition does not want states progress: Odisha 5T chairman Pandian

BERHAMPUR: BJD leader and 5T chairman VK Pandian on Friday tore into the Opposition political parties and said they are conspiring to derail the development process of Odisha for their narrow interests. Pandian was addressing an election campaign at Bhanjanagar Assembly segment which though comes under Ganjam district but is part of Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency. Accompanied by Kandhamal MP Achyuta Samanta and Bhanjanagar MLA Bikram Keshari Arukh, the BJD star campaigner urged the voters to hand huge margins of victory to the BJD candidates in the ensuing polls. While Samanta is seeking re-election from Kandhamal Parliamentary seat, Arukh has been representing Bhanjanagar Assembly constituency (AC) since 1995. Criticising the Opposition, Pandian said the parties are hatching a conspiracy to stop Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, Mission Shakti programmes and even prevented the women members of SHGs to go to Dubai. The BJD believes in work, and not in rhetoric. But Opposition is conspiring to stop all development work in Odisha. The Opposition parties are fundamentally anti-development, said Pandian adding Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is keen to make Odisha prosperous. I call the Opposition to come and see the unwavering support and love people have for Naveen Babu. The huge gathering despite the scorching heat will give them a sense of the peoples affection for the chief minister, said Pandian. Recalling his attachment with Ganjam as its former collector, he said all the transformation programmes of Odisha started from the district. My daughter was also born at Chhatrapur, recalled the bureaucrat-turned-politician. He said development projects worth Rs 60 crore are under implementation in Bhanjanagar AC. A sum of Rs 1.80 crore was sanctioned for development of Jagannath Temple and Maa Byaghradevi temple, Rs 1.10 crore for Dhabaleswar temple and Rs 5.50 crore for development of 120 temples, mosques and community centres, he said listing out the works. Similarly, the Rs 50 crore worth of projects in Polasara Assembly segment and development works valued at Rs 45 crore are underway at Sorada segment, he added. Along with Bhanjanagar, Pandian addressed election meetings at Sorada, Polosara, Sanakhemundi in Ganjam and G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district. He also went to Bhawanipatna to oversee campaigning of BJD in Kalahandi, particularly in Bhawanipatna Assembly segment. Pandian participated in a massive road show in the evening from Kalahandi University chowk to Women college chowk accompanied by BJDs Bhawanipatna candidate Lalita Naik. After the rally Pandian interacted with party workers, giving them tips for success.

Modi to address election rallies in Odisha May 6

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda are scheduled to visit Odisha over the next few days to campaign for the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. PM Modi is scheduled to address two political rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies May 6. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is []

Odisha: BJP grapples with independent acts in Berhampur LS seat

BERHAMPUR: Election to the Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency barely a fortnight away, disgruntled aspirants could queer the pitch for BJP candidates in the Assembly segments but the saffron party is putting up a united face ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit. Denied tickets after entry of imports from other parties, some of the aspirants who worked for the party for years have now filed nominations as Independent posing a hurdle for the candidates. Siba Shankar Dash, a BJP rebel, has filed nomination for Berhampur segment as an Independent. Dash started his political career with the BJD and became the first mayor of Berhampur Municipal Corporation. However, after the BJD denied a ticket to him in the general election in 2014, he switched to the BJP and contested unsuccessfully. He was an aspirant in 2019 too but the saffron party did not nominate him. Dash fought the election as an Independent again. Charged in several criminal cases, he spent some time in jail and was released on bail last year. Since then, he involved himself in BJPs activities hoping to get the party ticket but in vain. Dejected, Dash is now contesting as an Independent candidate. Since he enjoys a good following, the BJP tried to persuade him against fighting as an Independent but without any result. Apart from Dash, Kanhu Charan Pati was a strong contender for the BJP ticket too but the party selected K Anil Kumar who joined after resigning from the BJD. Not only Berhampur, the BJP faces similar crisis at Digapahandi, Aska, Kabisuryanagar, Polsara, Sorada and Chhatrapur. Faced with dissidence, the party has become proactive and is trying to present a united front. Except for Dash of Berhampur, the dejected aspirants in other segments are now seen campaigning for the party candidates. It is a good sign that the party workers have adopted a united stance after the visit of JP Nadda and before the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Berhampur, said a party leader. The PM is scheduled to address a meeting in Berhampur on May 6. The differences have been put behind in the interest of the party and BJP leaders are trying to make the meeting a grand success, said Dr Subash Sahu, Ganjam district unit president of BJP.

Modi to canvass in Berhampur next week

Modi Challenges Congress: Safeguarding SC, ST, OBC Reservations

New Delhi: Assuring that the BJP government will safeguard the interests of ST, SC and OBC communities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday challenged the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies to commit in writing that they will not give reservations based on religion. He alleged that the Congress wants to give reservations on the basis of religion and reiterated that he will prevent all such attempts. Addressing two back-to-back election rallies in his home state of Gujarat, Mr Modi commended the people of Gujarat for not allowing political instability to take root in the state and lauded their decision to reject short-term temptations and maintain stability, which he said has been instrumental in the state's progress. Speaking at the first election rally in Deesa, Gajarats Banaskantha district, Mr Modi said that as long as he is alive, no one can take away the reservation for the ST, SC and OBC communities in jobs and education. He said: I challenge the 'shehzada' (prince) of the Congress (referring to Rahul Gandhi), as well as his party and its supporters, to announce they will never misuse reservation in the name of religion, nor will they play with the Constitution or grant reservation in the name of religion. The Congress should commit in writing that they will not give reservations based on religion, The Prime Minister asserted that, as long as he is around, he will not allow anyone to play the game of reservation. The Congress and its people should listen carefully to the fact that this is Modi. As long as Modi is alive, he will not let you play the game of reservation in the name of the Constitution, he said. The Prime Minister criticised the Congress party for its lack of vision and commitment to serving the people, citing examples from past elections where the Opposition party resorted to personal attacks instead of addressing substantive issues. Even today, the Congress neither has issues nor the passion to work for the people. Do you remember what the Congress' issues were in 2014 (Lok Sabha elections)? What will a chaiwala do? But the country responded to them... Those who once occupied 400 seats were reduced to 40, he said. Mr Modi called out the Congress for resorting to desperate tactics in the ongoing elections, including spreading fake videos and misinformation. The party that ruled the country for 60 years has become a fake factory. What they called Mohabbat ki dukan is actually a fake factory. The Congress' videos are fake, the Congress' words are fake, the Congress' promises are fake, the Congress slogans are fake and the Congress intentions are fake, he said, emphasising that the BJP stands firm against such deceitful practices and remains committed to serving the nation with honesty and integrity. Addressing his second election rally in Sabarkantha, the Prime Minister highlighted the progress made in the region and reiterated his commitment to serve the nation with dedication and integrity. At the rally, Mr Modi reminisced about the timeless bond between him and the people of Sabarkantha, emphasising that despite the changes over the decades, the love and familiarity remain steadfast. He said, If your love hasn't changed, how can Modi change? Listing out the achievements, Mr Modi highlighted the decisive steps taken by his government, including the historic decision to abrogate Article 370. The Congress tried to scare the country that if Article 370 is removed, there will be chaos. Article 370 is history now and there is no chaos in the country. The Tricolor is flying high at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, he said. Mr Modi also talked about issues such as terrorism, triple talaq, CAA etc and emphasised his government's commitment to national security and social justice. He criticised the Congress for its divisive politics and highlighted the role of the Opposition party during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Modi said: The situation of the Congress, which ruled for 60 years, is very worrying. They are openly trying to divide the country. The only strategy of Congress and its INDIA bloc is to spread lawlessness and instability in the country. They want to set the country on fire, no matter what, to defame Modi. They did the same during the biggest disaster in the country, the Covid-19 pandemic. Their Covid mission failed and their vaccination mission failed, so they tried to set the country on fire. When we brought the CAA law, they tried to set the country on fire again, he said. The Prime Minister is scheduled to campaign for the BJP candidates in Odisha's Berhampur and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies on May 6. Mr Modi will address his first public meeting at 10 am in Berhampur. while the Nabarangpur rally will be held at about 12.30 am on Monday. Berhampur and Nabarangpur go to the polls on May 13. The Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will be held simultaneously in Odisha.

Travel tips: If you are going to visit Odisha, definitely explore these 8 offbeat destinations.

People who are fond of traveling like to visit a new destination every time. It is being seen that at this time people prefer to visit the religious place Jagannath Puri, which is located in Odisha. Whenever people plan to visit Jagannath, they also like to explore the famous places around there. On the other hand, if we talk about exploring offbeat places, then the excitement of traveling becomes double, because these offbeat destinations are quiet and beautiful, away from the hustle and bustle of cities. In such a situation, today we have brought for you information about some offbeat destinations of Odisha, where visiting will make your journey exciting. Let us know about these places... Jaipur If you like natural beauty then you should visit Jaipur. Here you get to see big rocks, beautiful waterfalls, and lush green valleys from far and wide and their memories remain in your mind for a long time. In Jaipur, you can visit Gupteshwar Caves, Sunabeda, Duduma Falls, Jagannath Sagar, Hatipathar, and Kolab Falls. Nearby is Devamali Peak, which is the highest peak of Odisha. Raghurajpur This small village of Odisha is an open museum of arts and handicrafts. Where every person in the village is associated with this artistic craft and handicraft. The artists here create magic on artisanal cloth, paper, and palm leaves with their skilled hands. Besides, the people here are also experts in various varieties of handicrafts like leaf carving, and stone carving. Every person in the village has inherited this art from his ancestors. Coming here you can see the murals painted on the outer walls of every house. Barbil Barbil is a small beautiful destination on the banks of Karo River in Kendujhar. Although not many people know about it, the dense forests here and the natural beauty away from the noise of the city fascinate you. Here you can visit Hawa Mahal, Gonasika, Thakurani Hills, Murga Mahadev Waterfalls, Uliburu Reserve Forest, Hanuman Temple Shiva Temple, etc. Rourkela Rourkela City is located in the Sundergarh district of Odisha. Rourkela city is famous all over India as the steel city. SAIL has its steel plant in this city, hence this city is called Steel City. A special thing about this city is that it is called Mini India because if seen in the whole of Odisha, Rourkela is a city where people from all over India live. Rourkela City is the second smart city in Odisha after Bhubaneswar. Rourkela City industrial area Despite this, the environment here is very good and it is a very beautiful place to visit. Savor local Oriya delicacies like Chungri Malai, Dahi Matka, and Bhindi Bhun during your visit to Rourkela. In these, you will get a combination of South-Indian and Bengali flavors. Paradeep Paradeep of Odisha is famous for its seaports. You can see big ships in Paradip, situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Mahanadi. Here you can visit places like Gahirmatha Sanctuary, Beach, Lighthouse, and Jhankar along with Paradip Port. Berhampur Brahmapur or Berhampur as it is called, is the largest city and gateway to southern Odisha. Brahmapur is a city located on the east coast of the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is the third largest city in Odisha with a population of 350,000. It is a business center. Brahmapur is also known as Silk City because of its famous silk band sarees. The city is known for its love of theater and cinema. Truly Ganjam Arts Council and Prakasam Hall is one of the oldest theater halls in the country. Shri Sitaram Shishiyan Talkies is the oldest cinema hall in Odisha which was established in 1927. Sambalpur This area is also not very famous. Here you get to see natural beauty and many historical places and visiting them is a unique experience for you. Here you can enjoy visiting places like Hirakud Dam, Cattle Island, Pichalima, Huma, Samleshwari Temple, Vikramkhol, Hatibadi, and Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary. Gopalpur Gopalpur is a coastal town situated on the southern borderline of Orissa. This place is situated near the Bay of Bengal. Earlier Gopalpur was known as a small fishing village but after the British came to power the fortunes of this village changed. This port was used as an important trading center by the Easton India Company. The city is located close to Andhra Pradesh and that is why it offers many important benefits. Several religious places are also located here, including Mata Tara Tarini Hill Tirtha, Bala Kumari Temple, and Sri Sri Siddhi Vinayak Peeth. You can visit Sonpur Beach, Aryapali Beach, and Gopalpur Beach here. (PC: LIifeberrys)

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Owns Assets Worth Rs 71 Crore

Berhampur: As per the affidavit filed by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during the filing of his nomination for the Hinjli Assembly seat, he owns assets worth Rs 71 crore. As per his affidavit, the BJD chief has Rs 30,000 cash in hand and movable property worth Rs 14 crore. He has declared details [] The post Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Owns Assets Worth Rs 71 Crore appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

PM Modi likely to address 2 poll rallies in Odisha on May 6

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the state on May 6, informed state BJP leader Golak Mohapatra on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters here, Mohapatra said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing two election rallies in Odisha on May 6. Sharing the schedule, the BJP leader said that PM Narendra Modi will first address a massive public meeting at around 10 am in Berhampur. Later, he will address another huge gathering in Nabarangpur at 12:30 pm. PM Narendra Modi is an inspiration and the people of Odisha are eagerly waiting for his visit to the state. Be it PM Awas yojana, toilets and others, there is massive corruption in Odisha. Apart from this, Odia language, literature and Odia Asmita is in danger. The governance is in the hands of non-Odias. BJP is worried over such a situation in the state. PM Modi has expressed his concern as well, said Mohapatra.

PM Modi to campaign in Odisha on May 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a campaign trail for BJP candidates in Odisha's Berhampur and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies on May 6, as announced by a prominent leader of the party on Wednesday. Modi's inaugural public address is scheduled for 10 am in Berhampur, followed by another rally in Nabarangpur around 12:30 pm on Monday. Odisha BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra revealed these details during a press conference held in the region.

PM Modi to campaign in Odisha May 6

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to campaign for the BJP candidates in Odishas Berhampur and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies May 6, a leader of the saffron party said Wednesday. Modi will address his first public meeting at 10 am in Berhampur while the Nabarangpur rally will be held at about 12.30 am Monday, []

Couple killed as car hits roadside tree in Odishas Kandhamal district

Phulbani: A man and his wife were killed after their car hit a roadside tree in Odishas Kandhamal district, police said Wednesday. The accident occurred Tuesday evening at Raikia town when they were returning home from Berhampur railway station after dropping their daughter there, a senior officer said. The couple was admitted to a local []

Odisha CM Naveen files nomination papers for Hinjili Assembly seat

BHUBANESWAR/BERHAMPUR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday filed his nomination papers from the Hinjili Assembly constituency, from where he will be seeking victory for the sixth consecutive time. Voting in the constituency that comes under the Aska Lok Sabha seat is scheduled to be held on May 20 in the second phase polls for Odisha. The chief minister is also fighting election from Kantabanji seat in Bolangir which will also go to polls on May 20. The date of his filing nomination from the second seat is yet to be announced. Naveen accompanied by his trusted lieutenant VK Pandian visited the Maa Tara Tarini temple and took the blessings of the Goddess before filing his nomination papers. Thousands of party workers and general public had gathered in front of the sub-collectors office at Chhatrapur to welcome Naveen before he filed his nomination. BJDs Lok Sabha candidates for Berhampur and Aska seats Bhrugu Baxipatra and Ranjita Sahu respectively, all the Assembly candidates of Ganjam district, state Finance minister Bikram Keshari Arukha, chairman of the BJD manifesto committee and former Union minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu were present with the chief minister. Naveen had won from the Hinjili seat for the first time in 2000 with a margin of over 29,800 votes. In subsequent elections in 2004 and 2009, his margin increased to 42,642 and 61,773 votes. In 2014 and 2019, the victory margin was 76,586 and 60,160 votes respectively. Party sources said that the BJDs target this time is to ensure that the chief minister gets more than 1.2 lakh votes. He had polled 94,065 votes in 2019 and his nearest BJP rival Pitambar Acharya got 33,905 votes. Sources said Naveen is scheduled to address public rallies at Khallikote, Kabisurjyanagar, Digapahandi and Chhatrapur on May 1. Besides, he will also visit Bhanjanagar, Polasara, Sanakhemundi and Surada on May 3.

Those on bail should be sent back to jail: Odisha 5T chairman Pandian

BERHAMPUR/BHUBANESWAR: Continuing his campaign in Ganjam and Gajapati districts for BJD candidates in the ensuing elections, 5T chairman and BJD leader VK Pandian on Tuesday said that those on bail should be sent back to jail again and not to the Parliament. Without naming anybody in his speech, the 5T chairman said the best place for criminals is jail but the Opposition political parties have made them candidates, adding that they should be shown their proper place. Pandian visited Mohana Assembly segment in Gajapati and Chikiti Assembly segment in Ganjam district and urged people to vote for partys Berhampur LS candidate Bhrugu Baxipatra, Mohana assembly candidate Antarjyami Gamango and Chikiti candidate Srirup Deb. There should be 95 per cent voting, so that our party candidates win with a huge margin, he added. Coming down heavily on the Opposition political parties, the 5T chairman said that they talk big things but are never seen during work. But they give an allowance of only Rs 300 to poor people whereas the Naveen Patnaik goverment provides a minimum allowance of Rs 1000 to poor. The BJD leader urged people to keep away from such leaders. At Chikiti, Pandian said that he respects senior minister Usha Devi. I am like a son to her and know her since last 15-16 years, he added. The 5T chairman cautioned people against Opposition leaders who spread rumour and falsehood. He called upon BJD leaders and workers to work unitedly to take Odisha forward. Referring to the renovation work of heritage places started by the chief minister, Pandian said he loves people of all religion, caste and creed. The chief minister has worked to renovate temples and places of worship of other religions, he added. Pandian said the chief minister has sanctioned development works of Rs 180 crore for Mohana and Rs 45 crore for Chikiti. The CM also launched several programmes including BSKY under which thousands have benefitted, he added.

For Pandian, by Pandian, against Pandian is the story of 2024 Odisha polls

BHUBANESWAR: Ever since he exited the Indian Administrative Service and officially took the plunge last year, the big question hanging over VK Pandians political ascendancy was not when; it was rather how soon. The soon has become the moment. The 2024 Odisha elections have become all about Pandian. He has virtually become the face of the BJD after Chief Minister Naven Patnaik and the biggest campaigner of the regional party while the Opposition BJP and Congress have made him their prime target. Pandian is the singular poll issue this summer in Odisha. The BJDs development juggernaut and BJPs vikash narrative have slowly receded into the background. Pandian is not complaining though. In fact, he is basking in the attention as he hops on to the chopper from one packed public meeting to another. The 49-year-old is not only fronting the party but has also taken it upon himself to cover maximum number of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies for the BJD. Pandian has already established a complete command over the BJD with every political action and decision of the party bearing his nod and the ministers, MPs and MLAs accepting him as the leader after Naveen but now he is positioning himself before the people as the CMs political heir. And here lies the catch. The Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned-politician holding the centrestage of a regional party and addressing people in faltering Odia has drawn in the outsider factor and the BJP and Congress have sensed an opportunity to take the game on to the BJD. From the much-repeated double-engine government slogan, the BJP has already changed track to make Odia Asmita (Odia identity) as its main poll issue. The obvious target is Pandian. The BJP has zeroed in on the right hand man of Naveen as a weak link, who carries the baggage of being an outsider. It has begun to aggressively drive the message that Pandian will become the chief minister after Naveen. Not only in Odisha but the top national leadership of the saffron party are no longer hesitating from raking up the issue. Party national president JP Nadda in his public meeting at Berhampur very recently warned that an outsider is being imposed and groomed to take over the mantle of the chief minister of the state. The same day, Rahul Gandhi too took potshots at Pandian. Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier last week pointed out that Naveens decision to contest from the second seat in Balangirs Kantabanji was a clever strategy to elect his political heir. And now that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also raised the issue of Odia identity and language as a major poll plank of BJP, the archlight is firmly settled on Pandian. The BJD leader is also not backing away. He is also in no mood for oblique references and has gone about questioning BJPs double-engine and the saffron partys contribution to development of the state, Odia identity and language. He also does not hide his sense of growing popularity among the voters during the meetings. BJP leaders should come to some of my meetings to see for themselves peoples affection for me, he told a TV channel. But the perspectives come from the past. The BJP and BJD were good friends till a few weeks back and even an alliance was being stitched up before it collapsed. In their last meeting in March, both Modi and Naveen were effusive in their praise for each other at Jajpur. After the elections, only the numbers would decide if the two parties remain opponents or turn back the clock to become the usual frenemies. The BJPs Odia Asmita stand would then come back to test it while the BJD will have to prove its regional identity is intact. For Pandian, the singular face of the 2024 election in Odisha, the stakes are higher because the future of BJD will be in his hands. His moment of reckoning is here.

Naveen Patnaik files nomination paper from Hinjili Assembly segment for 6th time

Berhampur: Ruling Biju Janata Dal president and Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik Tuesday filed his nomination papers from Hinjili seat in Ganjam district for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Accompanied by ministers and party leaders including his close aide Kartik Pandian, the chief minister reached the sub-collectors office at Chhatrapur and submitted []

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik seeks Tara Tarini blessings ahead of filing nomination

Berhampur: Odisha Chief Minister and BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik sought blessings at Tara Tarini ahead of filing nominations for the upcoming election. After offering prayers to the presiding deity, the Chief Minister went round the temple in parikrama. BJD president Naveen Patnaik will submit his nomination papers on the 30th of April. He is [] The post Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik seeks Tara Tarini blessings ahead of filing nomination appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Van mows down 65-yr-old in Ganjam

BERHAMPUR : A 65-year-old woman was crushed to death by a pick-up van at Randha Chowk under Golanthara police limits in Ganjam district on Monday. The deceased Malati Behera of Chikarada village was a vegetable vendor. The incident took place when she went to a wholesale vegetable market at Randha Chowk to purchase stock for her shop. On her way back, a speedy fish-laden van travelling from Ichchapur to Berhampur ran over her. She died on the spot. After the mishap, the van driver managed to flee, abandoning the vehicle on the road. Irate locals blocked the national highway demanding compensation for the deceaseds family and arrest of the driver. However, road blockade was removed after police reached the spot and pacified the agitators. Police sent the body for postmortem and seized the pick-up van. Locals said, the area remains crowded as villagers from both sides of the NH rely on vegetable market. The absence of traffic police at the spot has led to frequent road accidents. Despite repeated requests to the district administration and NHAI authorities to construct a foot over bridge or underpass to prevent such accidents, no action has been taken so far, they alleged.

Odisha: 37 candidates in fray for May 13 elections to four LS seats

Bhubaneswar: Thirty-seven candidates are in the fray for the elections to four Lok Sabha seats in Odisha for which voting will be held May 13, EC officials informed. The nomination process for Nabarangpur, Berhampur, Koraput and Kalahandi Lok Sabha segments started April 18 and the last date was April 25. The papers were scrutinised April []

BJD reacts sharply to remarks by Rahul Gandhi, J. P. Nadda

BJDs Berhampur LS candidate Bhrugu Baxipatra said he was shocked by the hypocrisy shown by BJP which is welcoming leaders with criminal background

12 labourers hurt as borewell drilling vehicle overturns

Ganjam: In a tragic road mishap, 12 labourers were rendered hurt after a borewell drilling vehicle overturned on Taptapani Ghati road in Ganjam district Sunday morning. Among them, five persons sustained critical injuries and are currently, undergoing treatment at the Digapahandi hospital. Reports said, the borewelldrilling vehicle carrying 12 labourers was heading towards Berhampur from []

BJD's Bhrugu Baxipatra slams BJP over Odia Asmita remark

BHUBANESWAR: Soon after BJP national president JP Naddas election rally in Berhampur calling upon people to vote out the corrupt BJD government in the state, the ruling party candidate from the Lok Sabha constituency Bhrugu Baxipatra slammed the saffron party for talking about Odia Asmita but at the same time promoting chargesheeted persons like Pradeep Panigrahi and Prasanta Jagadev. Baxipatra said he was shocked to see national president of BJP JP Nadda and Panigrahi sharing the dais at a meeting on Sunday. The BJD leader said Panigrahi was chargesheeted in the cash for job scam for which he was in jail for months. Stating that he was in BJP for 23 years, Bhrugu said he joined BJD because he thought it was a party with a difference. He said several BJP leaders including him had protested against Panigrahi. However, I was shocked and dismayed when the party took in a criminal like Panigrahi, against whose misdeeds we were regularly agitating, with open arms. It shocked BJP cadres in Odisha and also demoralised them, he said adding, How you can now say that BJP is a party with a difference. The BJD leader asked whether people like Panigrahi, Jagadev and other chargesheeted criminals who were thrown out by BJD and welcomed by BJP with open arms are symbol of Odia Asmita. Stating people of Berhampur and Odisha are laughing even as the state BJP cadres are dismayed, Bhrugu said he was saddened by this hypocrisy of the saffron party.

Vote out BJD, prevent outsider rule: JP Nadda in Odisha poll rally

BHUBANESWAR/BERHAMPUR: With BJP making Odia Asmita (pride) its major poll plank in Odisha, party national president JP Nadda on Sunday called upon the people to oust the BJD government and prevent an outsider from taking the helm of the state. Addressing a massive election rally called Vijay Sankalp Samabesh at Ambapua near Berhampur in Ganjam district, Nadda said a conspiracy has been hatched to impose an outsider on the state. The person is now being groomed to take over the mantle of the chief minister. Dont you have any capable Odia leader to manage the affairs of the state? It is a matter of great concern that efforts are on to transfer the power to an outsider, Nadda said. The BJP has adopted an aggressive Odia pride narrative after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks decision to contest the upcoming polls from two Assembly seats. Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his April 25 visit to the state had said that the chief minister will leave one seat to his political heir. Launching a strident attack on the BJD government, the BJP chief said corruption and Babu Raj have become the hallmark of the ruling party. As many as 160 chit fund companies have looted more than Rs 32,000 crore from around 20 lakh people of the state but the government is doing nothing to recover the money. Will you allow such a corrupt government to continue? If you want to see good government like the one provided by Narendra Modi remove BJD and bring BJP to power, he said. Counting the failures of the BJD government, Nadda said, while tap water supply under Jal Jeevan Mission has eluded a large number of households in the state, the state government is busy awarding contracts of drinking water supply to blacklisted contractors from outside Odisha. Highlighting the contribution of the prime minister for Odisha in the last 10 years, Nadda said, Modi ji has never discriminated the state despite the fact that it is ruled by an Opposition government. But the condition of the state has not changed due to massive corruption. He said, If you want the see the kind transformation Modi has brought to the country in Odisha, then you have to bring a BJP government in the state. A double-engine government will fulfill the aspirations of the people. There was a time when people had lost hope that nothing will happen in India. After the Narendra Modi government came to power at Centre there is a sea change. There has been rapid transformation of the country, he added. Now the election narrative has also changed. Development is the only issue. It is report card politics where people judge a party on the basis of their performance, Nadda added. He further said that this election is not only to send someone to Assembly or Parliament but to ensure return of Modi as Prime Minister for a third term to realise his vision of Vikshit Bharat and a BJP government in the state for Vikshit Odisha.

Nadda Dubs Odisha's BJD Govt Thoroughly Corrupt, Asks People To Vote For Change

Continuing its attack on Odishas ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on a range of issues, including alleged corruption, nepotism and propping up an outsider to rule the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday explicitly made its intention clear with regard to the partys Mission Odisha goal. The BJP national president, JP Nadda, while addressing his first election rally at Berhampur in Ganjam district, said the Naveen Patnaik-led government had been involved in multitude corruption cases and people were deprived of good governance as some officers ran the administration. The Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha is highly corrupt. Blacklisted contractors are being awarded work contracts, including the Jal Jeevan Mission works. Is it not a crime committed against the people? Why does Naveen Patnaik indulge in such activities? Should we not vote against this government to remove it from power for good and transparent governance? Nadda asked, as the crowd cheered his observations and replied to his queries in affirmative. The BJP president raised the issue of the mammoth chit fund scam which left nearly 20 lakh people of Odisha in tatters. As many as 160 chit fund firms looted over Rs 35,000 crore from 20 lakh people in Odisha. Surprisingly, no efforts were made to return money to the ruined depositors, Nadda said. In an indirect reference to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik propping up his former private secretary and bureaucrat-turned-politician V. Karthikeyan Pandian, a native of Tamil Nadu, his successor Nadda said, It is a matter of serious concern. Has there not anybody in Odisha to lead the Odia people? Yahaan koee dharatee putr nahi hai kya (Is there not any son of the son of the soil here?), he asked. In a veiled attack to the Congress, Nadda said, Ten years ago, people in our country thought that nothing would happen here. Their pessimism came in the backdrop of the then political situation. However, Narendra Modi changed the culture of politics. Earlier, politics was about caste and religion. Some people did this kind of politics to further their political interests.

Need to Change Govt in Odisha, says JP Nadda at Berhampur Poll Campaign

Berhampur: Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Samavesh at Ambapua in Berhampur, BJP National President JP Nadda started his speech with Jay Jagannath and then paid tributes to Madhu Babu and Krishnachandra Gajapati on Sunday. Nadda then called for a change in the Odisha government, cautioning everyone about the upcoming elections. He said, This government needs to [] The post Need to Change Govt in Odisha, says JP Nadda at Berhampur Poll Campaign appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Unseat BJD govt to usher in development, Nadda tells voters in Odisha

Berhampur: BJP president JP Nadda Sunday asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed the culture, nature and definition of politics in India, as he exhorted the people of Odisha to unseat the BJD government to usher in development. Nadda, while addressing an election rally at Ambapua in Berhampur, said the BJP has ensured prosperity []

Ward members house in Khallikote vandalised

BERHAMPUR: Tension grips two villages under Khallikote police limits in Ganjam district as unidentified miscreants threatened the family members of a ward member of Totagaon and also resorted to blank firing, and vandalism ahead of elections. Narayan Barik, the ward member and owner of a grocery shop, faced the wrath of around six miscreants who arrived in a car at approximately 9 pm. With Barik absent, his family bore the brunt of the attack. Later they reached the nearby village Nuafasula where they beat up Kanha, Bariks younger brother, injuring him seriously while he was attempting to defend the familys four-wheeler parked nearby. The miscreants indulged in vandalism for over two hours till some villagers reached the spot. The miscreants fired two rounds of bullets in the air to disperse the crowd and drove away. The incident has raised concern among locals who have urged the administration and police to initiate necessary protection measures. Khallikote police have launched an investigation into the incident. According to sources, Kanha had revealed to the police that an unidentified person had threatened Narayana over phone a day earlier. Khallikote Assembly seat under Aska Lok Sabha constituency in Odisha will go for elections on May 20.

Farmer dies in live wire trap of poachers in Odisha's Ganjam district

BERHAMPUR: A farmer was killed after coming in contact with a live wire reportedly laid by poachers to hunt wild animals at Talasakara village within Buguda police limits in Ganjam district on Saturday. The deceased was identified as 38-year-old Arun Nayak. The incident occurred when Arun left his home to his farm land for irrigation purpose on Friday night. While he was busy working in his agriculture land, he reportedly came in contact with a live wire laid for poaching wild animals. When Arun did not return home in the night, concerned family members went out to look for him where they found him lying in critical condition. They immediately rushed him to the nearby local hospital where he was declared brought dead. Buguda police reached the spot, seized the body and sent it for postmortem. Those behind laying the live wire are yet to be identified.

Berhampur to witness fight between 2 turncoats

Odisha braces for Super Sunday clash between JP Nadda and Rahul Gandhi

Bhubaneswar : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will on Sunday hit the campaign trail in Odisha, to add further impetus to their respective party workers and cadres. According to state BJP spokesperson Golak Nayak, Nadda will arrive in the state in the evening and address a public rally at Ambapua near Berhampur town in Ganjam district. Besides, he will have an exhaustive interaction with the partys workers hailing from three Lok Sabha constituencies Berhampur, Koraput and Nabarangpur, all South Odisha. The BJP is fast catching up with the voters in Odisha by spreading the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build a Vikshit Bharat by 2047. And, there is tremendous enthusiasm among the voters to be a part of our partys mission to bring our own government in Odisha. JP Nadda ji will guide us on how to accomplish our goal, said Nayak. The BJP has fielded Pradip Panigrahi for Berhampur Lok Sabha seat. For the Koraput and Nabarangpur seats, it has landed Kaliram Majhi and Balabhadra Majhi respectively. Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, will kick-start his campaign in Odisha from Salipur in coastal Cuttack district. Before addressing the public rally, the Congress leader will visit the birthplace of Madhusudan Das, a legal luminary who played a crucial role in the formation of Odisha as a separate state, and pay homage to him. We are eagerly waiting for our leader Rahul Gandhis arrival. He knows Odisha quite well. All of us know that he has special affinity with the tribals of our state. His speech at the Salipur public rally will surely instill spirits and enthusiasm in our workers and leaders, as well, senior Congress leader Biswa Mohan Mohanty said. The Congress, which ruled the state for over four decades, is seriously struggling to put up a good show in electoral exercises. It has got only nine members in the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly. Of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state, it won only one in 2019. Sriram Dash, a senior political analyst, said, Odisha will witness a Super Sunday clash tomorrow. While the BJP has made its stand clear to take on the BJD, it will be interesting how Rahul Gandhi articulates his partys mission, especially with regard to Odisha.

Lok Sabha polls | A feisty electoral battle on the anvil in Odisha CMs home district

In Berhampur, both the BJP and BJD candidates have switched loyalties and are fighting against their former parties; BJD hopes to hold on to Patnaik bastion while BJP is counting on Mr. Modis popularity

Odisha court hands death penalty to accused for double murder

BERHAMPUR: The additional district and sessions court of Nayagarh on Friday pronounced death penalty on the accused in the sensational Odogaon double murder in 2019. Niranjan Mallik, a resident of Kushdhipi village under Odogaon police station, was convicted by the court for killing two persons and brutally assaulting three others in January 2019. This probably is the first case in which an accused has been sentenced to death in Nayagarh district. The court pronounced the verdict after examining statements of 27 witnesses and the police investigation report. On the fateful day, Mallik first attacked Trilochan Sethi, a security guard at Odogaon market, bludgeoning him to death. Then, he forcefully entered into the house of Badni Pradhan and killed her. He also assaulted her daughter, leaving her seriously injured. Mallicks murderous charge continued as he attacked two others Damodar Sahu and Amuli Barik, leaving them seriously hurt. The incident led to a law and order situation. He had also attacked police personnel before his arrest and injured the then IIC Jyotiprakash Panda.

Dissidence in Odisha BJP after Sidhant Mohapatra chosen for Digapahandi

BERHAMPUR: Dissidence in the BJP cadre is palpable as the workers are unhappy with the partys decision to nominate cine star Sidhant Mohapatra from the Digapahandi Assembly segment. Sidhant won twice from Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency on a BJD ticket in 2009 and 2014 only to be denied nomination in 2019. He switched to the saffron party recently and was fielded from Digapahandi which has sparked dissatisfaction in the BJP ranks. This discontent is compounded by Bipin Pradhan, a strong contender from the segment, who joined the BJP recently after quitting the BJD. Besides, several others including BJP leaders Srikant Padhy were active in the region with hope for a party ticket. Rift within the segment, traditionally a stronghold of BJD, has deepened since the passing of sitting MLA and veteran BJD leader Surjya Narayan Patro. While his son Biplab Patra holds the reign of one faction, the other group is under the control of Bipin. Last year, Bipin was suspended from the BJD for anti-party activities but he did lay low till BJD declared Biplab as its candidate. Bipin joined BJP soon after but his entry into the saffron party is a double-edged sword. He enjoys support from various panchayats, further dividing the constituency. Interestingly, Sidhant and Biplab used to be good friends as they worked together during the actors past electoral endeavours from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat. Their paths have diverged this time with Sidhant vying for BJP support while Biplab is consolidating his position within the ruling party. Additionally, dissidents from both BJD and BJP have entered the fray as Independent candidates, complicating the dynamics. With Congress candidate Saka Sujit Kumars entry, the seat will see an intriguing fight. In fact, Congress had first nominated Sridhar Deb who also filed his nomination on Thursday. Now, he has been replaced by Sujit Kumar.

Nomination filing for phase II polls in Odisha kicks off

BHUBANESWAR: The nomination filing process for the second phase of general elections to five Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 Assembly segments in the state commenced on Friday. As per the notification of the Election Commission of India (ECI), Bargarh, Sundargarh, Balangir, Kandhamal, and Aska Lok Sabha constituencies and their 35 Assembly segments will go to polls in the second phase on May 20. Nomination filing for the phase will continue till May 3, while the papers will be scrutinised on May 4. Candidates will be able to withdraw their nominations till May 6. ECI representatives in the state said a total of 79.62 lakh voters including 40.30 lakh males and 39.31 lakh females will exercise their franchise during the phase. The usual voting timing for simultaneous polls in the seats is 7 am to 6 pm. However, keeping in view of security, the timing of voting in booths of some of the constituencies will be adjusted, sources said. In order to ensure a free and fair elections, the ECI has already mobilised resources to check model code of conduct violation and other norms in the Lok Sabha seats and their Assembly segments. Around Rs 46 crore cash has been seized during different searches in all the constituencies since March 1. Nomination filing for the first phase General Elections to four Lok Sabha constituencies - Koraput, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Berhampur - and their 28 Assembly segments is already over. ECI officials said a total of 75 nomination papers have been received from 39 candidates for the four Lok Sabha seats, while 483 nomination papers have been received from 266 candidates in 28 Assembly seats. The scrutiny of nominations were taken up on Friday, while the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers for the candidates is April 29.

Three held, pistol seized in Ganjam district

Berhampur: Police arrested three persons and seized a pistol and ammunition from their possession here, an officer said Friday. A 9-mm pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition, an iron sword, and two mobile handsets were seized from their possession, the officer said. The trio was involved in various criminal cases previously, said SP []

Pistol Seized as Suspects Apprehended

Pistol Seized as Suspects Apprehended Police arrested three persons and seized a pistol and ammunition from their possession here, an officer said on Friday. A 9-mm pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition, an iron sword, and two mobile handsets were seized from their possession, the officer said. The trio was involved in various criminal cases previously, said SP (Berhampur) Sarthak Sarangi. Acting on a tip-off police raided the Haladiapadar area on Thursday night while they were preparing for a major crime in the area and arrested the trio, he said.

BJP president JP Nadda to visit Odisha April 28

Bhubaneswar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda is scheduled to visit Odisha April 28 (Sunday) for election campaigning, a party leader said Friday. Speaking to mediapersons, senior BJP leader Samir Mohanty said that JP Nadda will address a public meeting at Berhampur in Ganjam district April 28. He will later hold a meeting with []

BJP appears keen to accomplish its Mission Odisha this time, lines up top leaders to take on 'unbeatable Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Apart aiming to add to its 2019 tally of 8 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which in the past squandered many opportunities to form government in Odisha on its own strength, seems to be quite keen this time to capture power in the state, bringing an end to the 24 years of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) rule. The party has lined up a battery of top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, party president JP Nadda, defence minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief MinisterYogi Adityanath to campaign in the state. Amit Shah, who addressed a massive public rally in Sonepur in Western Odisha on Thursday, is likely to visit the state again early next month. Senior BJP leader Samir Mohanty on Friday said party national president JP Nadda will visit Odisha on Sunday and address a public rally at Berhampur in Ganjam district to add more firepower to the campaign. After the event in Berhampur, Nadda will attend a meeting of party leaders in Nabarangpur, said Mohanty. Both Berhampur and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seats are poised for an interesting fight in the upcoming polls. BJP has nominated Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi, an ex-BJD leader, for Berhampur constituency while the BJD has fielded former BJP leader Bhrugu Baxipatra. In Nabarangpur, the BJD has nominated Pradeep Majhi, who had won the 2009 polls from the constituency on a Congress ticket. Similarly, the BJP had fielded Balabhadra Majhi, who had defeated Pradeep Majhi in the constituency in 2014 elections as BJD nominee. BJP state headquarters sources said the party is in the process of negotiation with the Prime Minister Narendra Modis office for suitable dates for his campaigning in Odisha. The PM, just before the election schedule was announced, had addressed two public rallies in Odisha one at Sambalpur and the other at Chandikhole in Jajpur district. Though the saffron party has been trying to grab power in the state since 2009 when it was ejected by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik from an 11-year-old alliance with the BJD, it has not succeeded as yet, largely because it failed to make a dent into the regional partys women vote bank. Nearly, 70 lakh women who are the state governments Mission Shakti programmes members, are standing rock solid behind the BJD in every electoral hustings. Besides, old-age, widow and physically-challenged pensions as well as ration-card holders also form a sizable chunk of the BJDs vote bank. Naveen Patnaik, who became the CM of Odisha for the first time in 2000, has won five successive assembly polls. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP won 8 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats and succeeded in pocketing 23 of the 147 assembly seats. Amit Shah, who was then the BJP national president, had set a target of 120-plus assembly seats. However, as political analysts put it, Shahs target fell flat as the party state unit lacked cadre strength at the grassroots.

39 file nominations for four Odisha LS seats, 266 for 28 Assembly segments

Bhubaneswar: Thirty-nine candidates have filed nominations for four Lok Sabha seats and 266 nominees submitted papers for 28 Assembly segments in Odisha for elections to be held May 13. In the first round of simultaneous elections in the state, the polling will take place in Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Berhampur Lok Sabha constituencies and the []

BJP Chief J P Nadda To Visit Odisha On April 28

Bhubaneswar: BJP National President JP Nadda is scheduled to visit Odisha on 28th April to campaign forupcoming elections. During his visit, he will address the public meeting in Berhampur and later he will attend the party leaders meeting in Nabarangpur. It is worth mentioning that, senior BJP leader and former national president Amit Shah visited [] The post BJP Chief J P Nadda To Visit Odisha On April 28 appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Odisha: Two Naxals gunned down in Boudh, security beefed up

BHUBANESWAR/BERHAMPUR: Ahead of the elections, two Naxals were reportedly gunned down in an exchange of fire with the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Parhel reserve forest within Kantamal police limits in Boudh district on Thursday. The bodies of the two ultras, identified as Sunil and Santu, both from 8th company of CPI (Maoists) were recovered from the spot. Sunil and Santu are natives of Chhattisgarhs Sukma and Bijapur respectively. Arms and ammunition, grenades and other articles were recovered and combing operation is on, said ADG (Operations), Dev Datta Singh. The 8th company of the banned CPI (Maoist) comprises members of Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division and other groups. Police had intelligence inputs that a group of around 12 to 14 red ultras were camping in deep forest following which the operation was launched. During the operation, an exchange of fire broke out between SOG personnel and the Naxals in the wee hours of Thursday. Security personnel seized a rifle, 17 ammunition, seven rocket-shaped barrels, wires and detonators, five handmade bombs and other articles from the spot. Police sources said the Naxals are using Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Boudh corridor to remain connected with the cadre from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Our challenge is to check their movement in Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh axis. Security has been tightened in the region ahead of elections and adequate forces deployed to ensure polling process passes off smoothly, said a senior police officer. So far this year, seven incidents of exchange of fire have taken place in Boudh which goes to polls on May 20. Since January, the security forces have neutralised three Naxals and at least two incidents of exchange of fire each have taken place in Kandhamal and Gandhamardan Hills located between Bargarh and Balangir districts.

Odisha: Nominations for 1st phase polls end

BHUBANESWAR: The nomination filing process for four Lok Sabha constituencies and 28 Assembly segments that go to polls in the state in first phase on May 13, came to an end on Thursday. As per the latest report, a total of 55 nominations have been received for the four Lok Sabha seats - Koraput (ST), Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Berhampur. Similarly, 336 candidates have filed their nominations for the 28 Assembly seats that will go to elections in the first phase. For the LS seats, as many as 17 nominations were filed for Kalahandi, 16 for Koraput, 15 for Berhampur and seven for Nabarangpur (ST) till the afternoon. Similarly, a total of 24 candidates filed their nomination papers for Berhampur Assembly seat, while 22 filed their papers for Digapahandi. Nuapada received 15 nominations, while Gunupur received 16. Besides, 15 nominations each have been filed from Malkangiri and Junagarh, 14 each from Koraput and Mohana, 12 from Paralakhemundi, 16 from Rayagada, 13 from Bissamcuttack, 11 each from Chikiti and Bhawanipatna, 12 from Pottangi, eight each in Laxmipur and Kotpad and nine from Jeypore and Chitrakonda. The nomination process had commenced on April 18. Several candidates from BJD, BJP, Congress and other parties filed nominations on the last day. Gopalpur MLA and BJP candidate Pradeep Panigrahi filed his nomination for Berhampur Lok Sabha seat, Berhampur MLA and BJD candidate Bikram Panda filed his papers for Gopalpur assembly seat. BJP candidate Goutam Samantray also filed his nomination from Jeypore Assembly constituency. AAP party candidates also filed their nominations for Jeypore and a few other constituencies, sources said. However, the updated nomination details will be known on Friday after the final tally, an official said. As per ECI notification, scrutiny of nomination papers will be carried out on Friday, while candidates will be able to withdraw their nominations by Monday, April 29. In the 2019 general elections, BJD had won the Lok Sabha seats of Nabarangpur and Berhampur, while BJP won Kalahandi and Congress took Koraput. Similarly, 21 out of the 28 Assembly seats in the four Lok Sabha constituencies had been won by BJD last time. BJP had won in four seats, while Congress had managed to register win in three.

Naveen Patnaik launches campaign from Hinjili, says Opposition obstructing development

BERHAMPUR/BHUBANESWAR: Formally launching his campaign from Hinjili, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday targeted the Opposition political parties for obstructing development of the state and stated that nobody has succeeded with such attitude. Addressing two public meetings at Hinjili and Sheragada, the chief minister said Odisha will be the number one state in the country by 2036 coinciding with 100 years of its formation. He asserted BJD will continue with its victory march on the basis of development programmes launched by the government and blessings of the people. The chief minister urged people to vote for Jodi Sankha (double conch) in the elections. One vote should be for the MLA candidate and one for the MP nominee, he said, adding conch is the symbol of development. He came down on the Opposition political parties for opposing development which is the identity of BJD. They (Opposition parties) are indulging in politics in every matter and opposing development, which is our identity. People of Odisha are well aware of their anti-development attitude. They know the real character of Opposition. Nobody has ever succeeded by opposing development, he said. Announcing the new government in the state will bring a 10-year development plan with strong emphasis on youth, the chief minister said, a separate budget will be brought for the youth. The budget will have an outline to harness the young population of the state for development. I promise 2024-34 will be a golden period for youth of Odisha. Our budget for the youth will focus on industrial investment, employment generation, and skill development, he added. The chief minister said in the next 10 years, Odisha will be known in the entire world for programme implementation. Peace, prosperity and empowerment will be the identity of Odisha in the world, he added. Listing out achievements of the state government including beautification and development of different temples, the Srimandir Parikrama, Samalei and Ekamra projects, he said Hinjili and Sharagada have become a model of development in the entire country. The 5T school transformation programme was launched from Hinjili. Ama Hospital began from here and temple development programme started from Tara Tarini temple, he added. Addressing people at both the places, BJD leader and 5T chairman VK Pandian said Hinjili is the number one constituency in the country. The MLA of Hinjili is the number one MLA and our chief minister is the number one chief minister, Pandian said while urging people to elect Naveen by highest margin. The chief minister is likely to file his nomination papers from Hinjli on April 30. He will also contest from Kantabanji in Balangir district. BJDs candidate for Aska Lok Sabha seat Sanjukta Sahu and senior leaders were present.

Two get 30-yr RI each for raping 15-year-old girl in Odisha

Berhampur: A POCSO court in Odishas Ganjam district Wednesday sentenced two men to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment each for raping a 15-year-old girl last year. Prabhat Kumar Rajguru, judge of a special POCSO court in Berhampur, also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each on the two convicts, who hailed from the same village []

TPSODL Gears Up To Maintain Reliable Power Supply During Kalabaisakhi Season

Berhampur: TP Southern Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPSODL) has taken several proactive measures over the past year and has doubled its efforts in anticipation of the Kalabaisakhi season. With an enhanced focus on infrastructure resilience and rapid response capabilities, the company is better prepared to manage the challenges posed by the powerful storm. A significant increase [] The post TPSODL Gears Up To Maintain Reliable Power Supply During Kalabaisakhi Season appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Naveen to launch campaign from Hinjili today, urges people to vote for Jodi Sankha

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will formally kick off the poll campaign from his home constituency Hinjili in Ganjam district on Wednesday. Naveen has been elected from the constituency for five consecutive times since 2000. A day before embarking on his campaign trail, the chief minister urged the people to vote for Jodi Sankha (double conch) in the ensuing elections in the state. The term doube conch has been coined to counter double-engine government slogan of the BJP. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Naveen Patnaik (@naveen_odisha) The chief ministers campaign has assumed significance this time as the party will be trying to neutralise the anti-incumbency factor against the BJD candidates due to the party being in power for such a long period. Besides, the party is trying to check a possible chance of split voting because of a general surge of BJP driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modis popularity among the electorate. In a video released by the BJD, the chief minister was seen holding two conches, the party symbol in both the hands, appealing people to vote for double conch in the elections. This time, vote for double conch - one for MLA and one for MP, he said. The chief minister will hit the campaign trail a day before Union Home minister Amit Shahs proposed rally at Sonepur under Balangir Lok Sabha seat. He will address two public meetings - one at Hinjili and the second at Sheragada. He is scheduled to campaign for BJD candidates in Rayagada district on Thursday. Sources in the BJD said that 5T chairman VK Pandian will accompany him during the campaign. The chief minister is contesting from two Assembly seats - Hinliji and Kantabanji in Balangir district. Simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will be held in Odisha in four phases from May 13 to June 1. Four Lok Sabha seats, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Berhampur and Koraput and 28 Assembly segments under them will go for polls on May 13.

Odisha: Chaitra Yatra concludes at Tara Tarini

BERHAMPUR: Despite scorching heat, over 50,000 devotees visited the hill-top shrine of Tara Tarini in Ganjam district to offer prayers on the concluding day of the Chaitra Yatra on Tuesday. More than one lakh devotees thronged the 17th-century shrine throughout the Chaitra month, participating in the festival held every Tuesday to worship the deity. Pramod Kumar Panda, member of the Tara Tarini Temple trust board and secretary of the Tara Tarini temple development board (TTTDB) said all the rituals and functions of the festival concluded smoothly without any obstacles. The festival which began on March 26, witnessed devotees from across the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, and New Delhi. About 20,000 children, accompanied by their parents, underwent Mundan (tonsuring) at five locations on the foothills. A total of 625 barbers were deployed by the temple board for the purpose, said TK Reddy executive officer of the temple management. The temples doors were opened to devotees for darshan of Goddesses Tara Tarini at 6:30 am on the final day. Sanjay Kumar Singh, principal secretary, RD and I&PR department was among the first members of the public to have darshan and offer prayers. Elaborate arrangements, including drinking water facilities, were made by the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) at bus stops on the foothills, hilltop, the ropeway destinations, and the Mundan spots. Tara Tarini shrine is considered as Stana Peetha (breast shrine) of Mata Sati, is one of four major ancient Shakti centres in India.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka to visit Odisha on April 28 and May 3

BHUBANESWAR : Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Odisha on April 28 and May 3 to campaign for party candidates at Salipur in Cuttack district, Rayagada and Berhampur. State in-charge Ajoy Kumar told mediapersons Rahul has been requested to campaign at Salipur, Berhampur and Rayagada. Confirmation from him in this regard is expected by Tuesday morning. Besides, president of All India Congress Committee (AICC) Mallikarjun Kharge has been requested to campaign for party candidate at Balangir. Similarly, AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi will also visit Nabarangpur, he added. Ajoy Kumar said while Priyanka is expected to visit Odisha on May 6, Kharge is likely to campaign for the party on May 7 at Balangir. We have requested Rahul to campaign in Salepur, Rayagada and Berhampur. There is a need for a huge rally in coastal Odisha to boost the partys prospects in the upcoming elections, he added. Besides, the party is also in touch with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to campaign for the partys candidate at Rayagada on April 8 to woo Telugu voters. The party will make arrangements for Reddy to address a public meeting. Ajoy Kumar also reviewed results of the survey conducted by the party in Odisha to find out whether tickets have been given to the right persons. Sources said there will be further review before any decision is taken on changing candidates in some constituencies.

Odisha: Father killed, son injured after contact with 11 KV line

BERHAMPUR: A 67-year-old man died of electrocution and his son sustained critical injuries after they allegedly came in contact with an 11 KV live wire at their farmland in Adapada village under Hinjili police station in Ganjam district on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Kora Behera. Sources said, the incident took place when Kora along with his son Tofan went to their farmland to dig taro root (Saru) from the soil in the morning hours. While they were busy digging the root vegetable, an 11 KV wire passing over their farmland snapped off and fell on Kora. As he started screaming, Tofan in an attempt to save his father dragged the wire and was thrown around 10-15 ft away from Kora. Locals rushed the duo to Adapada primary health centre (PHC) where doctors declared Kora brought dead. Tofan was later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital after his condition worsened. Police registered a case and investigating into the matter. Following the incident, villagers demanded an adequate compensation to the deceaseds family.

Odisha: 695 centenarians to cast their votes in Ganjam district

BERHAMPUR : With the Election Commission of India issuing notifications for the upcoming General Elections, the filing of nomination papers for Berhampur Parliamentary constituency and its Assembly segments commenced on Thursday. The process will continue until April 25, with scrutiny scheduled for April 26 and the deadline for withdrawal of nominations set for April 29. Collector-cum-district election officer, Dibyajyoti Parida, announced that Ganjam district will witness the participation of 29,83,823 voters, including 14,45,588 women and 287 transgenders. The elections, slated to be held in two phases on May 13 and 20, 2024, will elect two MPs and 13 MLAs from the district. Voting for the Berhampur Parliamentary constituency and its five Assembly segments - Gopalpur, Chatrapur, Berhampur, Chikiti, and Digaphandi - is scheduled for May 13, from 7 am to 6 pm. Parida said the a single window cell has been set up at the District Office to facilitate online permissions for meetings, rallies, and vehicles through the Suvidha portal. While limit of expenditure for contesting candidate for Parliamentary Constituency has been fixed at Rs 95 lakh, Rs 40 lakh is the limit for candidates for Assembly constituency. A total of 65,080 young voters have been included in the list this year, with a gender ratio of 940 female per 1000 male, which includes, PwDs and senior citizens. Electorate District has 29,83,823 voters, including 14,45,588 women and 287 transgender individuals 695 centenarian voters will cast their votes Facilities have been arranged for senior citizens aged 85 years and above to cast their votes at their respective houses Elections will be conducted in two phases on May 13 and 20

Daily wager run over by speeding car

SAMBALPUR: In a horrifying incident, a woman died after a speeding car ran over her at Kainsir area under Ainthapali police limits in the district on Monday. Two other women accompanying her also sustained injury in the accident. While the deceased has been identified by the police as Sumitra Munda of Jogipali under Rengali police limits in the district, the accused driver Tapas Ranjan Patra belongs to Sunder Nagar in Berhampur district. The injured women are Sumati Munda and Ratini Munda. According to police, the three women who worked as daily wagers were returning from work in the afternoon, when the accused coming from the same direction and driving towards Ainthapali chowk at a high speed, lost control. The car ran over the deceased crushing her head. However, the other two women had a narrow escape but sustained critical injuries in the incident. The injured were rushed to hospital where they are undergoing treatment. Ainthapali IIC, Sanay Naik said, The accused rammed into the women due to overspeeding. He was not under the influence of alcohol or any other drug during the time of accident. He has been arrested and forwarded to court.

Odisha: Siblings held for peddling ganja under lens for Naxal link

BERHAMPUR: The Special Task Force (STF) of Crime Branch seized five cars from two siblings from Kandhamal district who were arrested for their alleged involvement in the ganja trade. Bikas Digal (27) and Soumya Ranjan Digal (25) who belong to Keredi village are reported to have links with the Maoists. The agency with the assistance of Kandhamal Police arrested Soumya from Tikabali on Sunday. The agency had arrested Bikas on April 11 from Bhubaneswar and seized 52 kg ganja along with a car from him. Soumya was with Bikas but had managed to give STF a slip. STF said though the quantity of the ganja seized from the accused is not significant, it is suspected the siblings are part of a bigger racket and have been in the illegal trade since the last three years. The duo mainly procured ganja from Naxal-hit Kandhamal and Boudh districts and the agency is investigating whether they have any links with the red ultras. A thorough probe will be carried out to ascertain whether the accused have any links with Naxals or their sympathizers in Kandhamal-Boudh districts. Special focus is being given on the aspect as in the past Naxals who surrendered before the police had revealed the shady nexus between left-wing extremists and ganja traders, said STF IG, Jai Narayan Pankaj. Bikash and Soumya are Class-X and Class-IX dropouts respectively and their father makes a living by driving an auto-rickshaw in the capital city. Bikas and Soumya have been staying with their family at Sion Shramik Basti in Chandrasekharpur area for the last several years. They reportedly have no income but five cars - Tata Safari, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Hyundai Santro, Hyundai Eon and two motorcycles were seized from them. All the vehicles are registered in their names, said STF SP, Kishore Kumar Panigrahi. STF will request regional transport offices (RTOs) in Bhubaneswar and Kandhamal to ascertain whether the accused possess any other vehicle. Initial investigation revealed Soumya and Bikas carried ganja consignments in their cars and carried women and children with them to avoid suspicion. The market value of the seized vehicles is more than `50 lakh. As per NDPS Act, immovable and movable property accumulated by the accused in the last six years through crime proceeds will be seized and we will move the competent authority in Kolkata for forfeiture of the same, said Panigrahi.

Kerala train commuters decry overcrowding as Railways prioritize premium services

KOCHI: There seems to be no end in sight to the woes of train travellers in the state. People who depend upon trains, not only their daily commute but also long-distance travel, are venting their anger at the railways strategy of introducing more and more premium trains like the Vande Bharat as a money-spinning measure. Reducing the number of general compartments to facilitate more AC and sleeper coaches has left many high and dry. Describing his experience during a recent journey on the Kochuveli-Mysuru Express, Liyons J, secretary of Friends On Rails, which describes itself as a WhatsApp network that aids train commuters, said, The sleeper compartment resembled a refugee camp. Even the aisles were taken over by passengers with general tickets. This is happening because of the cut in the number of general compartments on long-distance trains, he adds. Train travel has become a dangerous affair, points out Dr Meera, a Kozhikode resident who depends on trains for her frequent travels to her hometown in Kollam. People are even forced to travel hanging from doors. There have been many cases of passengers getting seriously injured or losing their lives after falling from running trains. But all this goes unreported, she says. According to Dr Meera, there have been times when she has cancelled trips after arriving at the station to find general compartments jam-packed. I have to ensure the safety of my child, who is part of most of my travels, she stresses. Of course, none of the passengers are against the rail transporters need to increase revenue, says Srijith T J, an officer with Kerala Agro Industries Corp Ltd. But that should not be at the cost of passengers, who are the ones filling its coffers. Srijith points out that when the railways changed old coaches for new LHB ones, it reduced the number of general compartments from two to one and four to two on many express trains. However, they increased the number of AC coaches from three or four to eight while reducing the sleeper coaches from 12 to 8. Now, the situation is such that it is tough to get a reservation even in sleeper coaches, he adds. Passengers also point to another of the railways money-making strategies. Tickets for sleeper coaches are sold right up to the arrival of trains. It should be noted that these tickets do not ensure seats as charts have already been prepared. But once these passengers get on the train they encroach on seats of those who had made reservations months back, says Ramesh Mathew, a frequent traveller. The removal of de-reserved facility has also hit daily commuters hard. According to Ramesh, the most congested long-distance trains are the ones plying the northeastern routes. Regular users have now ditched them. Migrant labourers dont bother with the reserved status of coaches. For them, it is fine to travel in any compartment, he says, adding that there is a dire need for operating more Antyodaya Express trains on the eastern region via Chennai or through Vizag, Berhampur and Howrah. Ease and low cost attracted many passenger to train travel. However, there has been no concurrent increase in the number of trains or coaches. If more MEMU trains are introduced from Ernakulam to Kollam via Kottayam or Alappuzha, KSRTC will fold up in no time, says Ramesh. Ernakulam-Thrissur is the busiest sector in Kerala. But there are not many passenger trains on the route. Malabar passengers complain about the lack of trains between Shoranur and Kannur in the afternoons. Their complaints are genuine. There are fewer afternoons trains for daily and short-distance passengers, he added. However, railway officials say that there is an adequate number of trains for passengers, with special services introduced, whenever necessary. Three new special trains have started service towards the northern parts of the country, an official added. Summer specials Southern Railway will operate 239 trips of special trains on 19 routes to clear the extra rush this summer. These trains will link Tamil Nadu and Kerala to state like Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar, New Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, etc. The trains are: 06083 & 06084 Kochuveli-SMVT Bengaluru 06043 & 06044 Dr MGR Chennai Central-Kochuveli 06081 & 06082 Kochuveli-Shalimar 06071 & 06072 Kochuveli-Nizamuddin 06085 & 06086 Ernakulam-Patna

Surveillance stepped up along Odisha-Andhra border for polls

Berhampur: Security surveillance in Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border areas has been intensified by the police ahead of the twin elections for the Lok Sabha and the Assembly in the state, a senior officer said, Sunday. Joint checkings by the police of the two states have been carried out in border areas in Ganjam and Gajapati districts []

Odisha police warns tough action against election violence

BHUBANESWAR: As electioneering garners pace across the state, Odisha Police has warned of stern action against anyone found involved in poll violence. DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi, ADG Law and Order Sanjay Kumar and ADG (Operations) S Dev Datta Singh visited the politically-sensitive Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday and reviewed security preparedness at Ganjam, Berhampur, Kandhamal, Boudh and Gajapati. Sources said discussions were held on ways to ensure the elections pass off smoothly in the areas as Ganjam and Berhampur are politically highly sensitive while Kandhamal and Boudh are affected by left-wing extremism. Odisha Police has warned to initiate stern action against incidents of poll violence. Clear instructions have been issued on initiating stringent action against people found engaging in poll violence, irrespective to which political party they are affiliated to, said Kumar. The senior police officers also discussed the strategy to ensure there is no Naxal-related violence or ganja used as freebies in Kandhamal and Boudh districts during elections. Odisha Police has requested Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to send additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain law and order during elections. Around 75 companies of CAPF have already been deployed in the state. Sources said Odisha Police has requested MHA to deploy a total of 175 companies of CAPF during elections here. At least 50 more companies are expected to arrive in Odisha on May 1. Among them, 10 companies of Tripura Special Armed Force will arrive here after the elections in the north-eastern state conclude on April 26, said Kumar. Some companies from Chhattisgarh Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed there will also arrive in Odisha once the elections are over in the neighbouring state on May 7.

Boudh: Mystery shrouds youths death

BERHAMPUR: A 24-year-old youth was found dead under mysterious condition behind a temple within Adarsh police limits in Boudh district on Saturday. Police identified the deceased as Bibhisana Maharathy, a resident of Jamapali village. Sources said Bibhisana had left home for some work on Friday night but did not return. Later, his family members launched a frantic search for him but to no avail. Locals found his body lying behind the Goudadei temple in the morning and informed police. Police said blood stains were found leading to a secluded house behind the temple near which the body was found. An officer of Baghiapada police outpost said the youth might have been murdered and then dragged to the spot behind the temple. An unnatural death case was registered and the body sent for postmortem. Further investigation is underway, he said.

Naveen to spearhead BJD campaign, Pandian number two in star campaigner list

BHUBANESWAR : The BJD on Saturday released a list of 40 star campaigners for the first two phases of elections in the state. Party supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will spearhead the campaign like every election he does. Chairman of 5T initiatives and Nabin Odisha VK Pandian, who has been slotted at no.2 after Naveen, will campaign for the party candidates for the first time. Trusted lieutenant of the CM, the bureaucrat-turned-politician had taken VRS last year to join BJD. The third in the list is organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das. While Das is contesting from Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, Pandian is not contesting this time. The list of campaigners included seven ministers and 10 former ministers. The ministers, who have made it to the list of 40 for the first two phases, are Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, Science and Technology minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Health and Family Welfare minister Niranjan Pujari, Industries, MSME and Energy minister Pratap Keshari Deb, Higher Education Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Panchayatiraj and Drinking Water minister Pradip Kumar Amat and Skill Development and Technical Education minister Pritiranjan Gharai. The party has attempted to showcase its commitment to field a diverse and experienced team of campaigners for the elections by including several sitting and former MLAs, Lok Sabha MPs, Rajya Sabha members and former MPs in the list of campaigners, who are expected to play significant roles in the campaign strategy. Prominent among them are former Union Minister and Berhampur MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Nabarangpur MP Ramesh Chandra Majhi, Rajya Sabha members Sasmit Patra, Manas Ranjan Mangaraj, Niranjan Bishi, Mamata Mahanta, Muzibulla Khan and Sulata Deo. Similarly, former ministers Debi Prasad Mishra, Pratap Jena, Arun Sahoo, Sanjay Das Burma, Sushant Singh, Padmanav Behera, Sarojini Hembram and Snehangini Chhuria also feature in the list. Cuttack mayor Subash Singh, former MP Rabindra Kumar Jena and former Rajya Sabha member N Bhaskar Rao will also campaign. Among the sitting MLAs, Sudhir Kumar Samal, Pranab Balabantaray, Byomakesh Ray and Devi Ranjan Tripathy are also in the list. The party has also declared several ticket aspirants including Shreemayee Sweta Snigdha Mishra, Bijay Nayak, Iswar Panigrahi, Amaresh Jena and five-time corporator Sk Nizamuddin and former MLA Chiranjibi Biswal as star campaigners. Actor and BJD spokesperson Elina Dash is the only member from the film fraternity who figured in the list.

DNA compaction find may help treat genetic disorders

BHUBANESWAR : In a path-breaking discovery, scientists from Odisha have unearthed some unique physio-chemical properties in ionic liquids (organic salts in liquid state) that can be better alternatives for compaction of DNA to help treat genetic disorders. After a series of experiments, researchers from National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) claimed the structure of DNA bends or becomes more spherical as compared to its initial form after molecular interactions with magnetic ionic liquids. The scientists also found that de-compaction of DNA can be easily achieved by adding NaCl (sodium chloride), also known as salt or common salt, and it has far reaching implications in biomedical applications. The findings on compaction and de-compaction of DNA will help treat genetic disorders such as albinism, Angelman syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, apert syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Huntingtons disease, neurofibromatosis and haemochromatosis besides haemophilia, thalassaemia and several other genetic diseases. Professor at School of Chemical Sciences, NISER Himansu Sekhar Biswal said ionic liquids were found to be an alternative green solvent for storage and stability of DNA. There are thousands of ionic liquids available. During experiments, we came across some astonishing results involving cholinium-based ionic liquids, which can be better alternatives for DNA compactions, he said. An important part of gene regulation in an organism occurs at the level of transcription, which basically works on two principal strategies. But compacted DNA can be useful for inhibition of transcriptional activity. This will be helpful to treat genetic disorders, which are caused in whole or in part by a change in the DNA sequence away from the normal sequence, Prof Biswal told TNIE. The new phenomenon, the scientists said, can be used as protection against chemical or biochemical stress. It also has promising applications in nano-material templating, stress mitigation, gene regulation, photo-control of gene expression, and safeguarding DNA integrity. Assistant professor of Department of Chemical Sciences at IISER, Berhampur Malay Kumar Rana said the DNA compaction is crucial for cell functioning and involves organising and condensing DNA strands, enabling them to fit within cellular compartments. The study Compaction and de-compaction of ct-DNA has been published in Chemical Science, a peer-reviewed and high-impact journal published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, London. It has been placed on the cover page of the journal.

Ganjam Junior Revenue Assistant Dismissed From Govt Service Following Conviction

Bhubaneswar: Pradeep Kumar Sahu, a Junior Revenue Assistant in the office of Settlement Officer, Ganjam-Koraput, in Odishas Ganjam district has been dismissed from government service as per provisions of the OCS (CCA) Rules, 1962, with effect from April 18 by competent authority of Major Settlement Office, Berhampur, following his conviction by Special Judge, Berhampur, [] The post Ganjam Junior Revenue Assistant Dismissed From Govt Service Following Conviction appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Women voters outnumber men in 4 Odisha LS seats that go to polls on May 13

Women voters outnumber men in the four Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha that go to polls on May 13, the first phase in the state and the fourth across the country. Briefing reporters, chief electoral officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal said Berhampur, Koraput, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies and 28 assembly seats coming under the parliamentary segments will go to polls on May 13, the nomination process for which began on Thursday.

Odisha: BJD, BJP leaders greet each other during campaigning

Berhampur: Morning walkers in Odishas silk city were surprised to see the leaders of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exchanging greetings during a campaign at the MKCG Medical College Ground here. The leaders of different political parties have now adopted a strategy to start election campaigning early in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

High court junks Maoist undertrial's plea for right to life and liberty

Orissa high court rejects Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda's plea, citing numerous cases and acquittals. Despite being in jail since 2014, his appeal in HC for a life sentence received in Berhampur court awaits a decision since Nov 2023.

Ex-Sarapanch Gets 2 Years Jail Term for Misappropriation of Govt Funds

Berhampur: The Vigilance Judge, Berhampur on Friday sentenced a two-year jail term to former Sarapanch Dimidi Rama Rao of Kidigaon Gram Panchayat, Kashinagar Block of Gajapati District, in misappropriation of government money. Rama Rao was found guilty of falsely showing expenditure under different heads in connection with the execution of two projects during the year [] The post Ex-Sarapanch Gets 2 Years Jail Term for Misappropriation of Govt Funds appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

BJD Forms Manifesto Committee, Seeks Public Opinion

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the ruling party of the state formed a Manifesto Committee on Wednesday appointing several leaders to it. The committee posted Berhampur MP Chandrasekhar Sahu as the chairman. Among others, Debi Mishra, Pratap Deb, Sudam Marndi, Mangala Kissan, Padmanav Behera and Kasturi Mohapatra are co-chairpersons of the committee. The 38-member committee [] The post BJD Forms Manifesto Committee, Seeks Public Opinion appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Odisha CM forms manifesto committee to help BJD prepare poll document

Odisha CM forms manifesto committee to help BJD prepare poll document Odisha Chief Minister and ruling BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday constituted a 'manifesto committee' for drafting the partys poll document ahead of the simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. The 38-member panel, headed by Berhampur MP Chandrasekhar Sahu, will also seek public suggestions for preparing the manifesto. The committee will have discussions with various sections of society... and prepare a manifesto that will lead to transformation towards a New Odisha, Empowered Odisha, Patnaik said in an official notification. Senior party leader Amar Patnaik was appointed as convenor of the committee, while Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra will be the co-convenor, officials said. The general elections and assembly polls will be held in Odisha between May 13 and June 1. The state has 147 assembly seats and 21 Lok Sabha constituencies.

Naveen Patnaik seeks public opinion for preparing BJD's poll manifesto

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged people to provide inputs for the preparation of the party's manifesto for the assembly and Lok Sabha polls. He has constituted a 38-member'manifesto committee', led by Berhampur MP Chandrasekhar Sahu, to discuss a 'New Odisha, Empowered Odisha' manifesto.

Our mission is zero casualties in heat waves during polls: Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha

Our mission is zero casualties in heat waves during polls: Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha Ahead of Lok Sabha elections coinciding with the summer, Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha, Nikunja Dhal said that the authorities were aware of the possible heatwave condition during the polling period and the mission is zero casualties in heat waves. Nikunja Dhal said, We are preparing ourselves to face minimum voter inconvenience. Our mission is zero casualty in heat waves. We will create awareness among the voters and precautions to take while they are coming to vote. We will have ambulances available to take care of any emergency case. We will have a mobile health unit. We will have para-medical staff travelling with all the sectors. We will have ORS packets with the mobile parties. He further said that they will have Asha workers deployed in polling stations. There will be a three-tier system to combat heat wave conditions. The health department is establishing heatstroke wards in all the prime health centres. Drinking water facilities will be provided in all booths, he added. On his visit to four Lok Sabha constituencies Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha, Nikunja Dhal said that he had visited and reviewed the Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sundargarh, and Dhenkanal parliament constituency. I interacted with Police, District Election Officers and other concerned officers to review the poll preparedness and law and order situation there. In the coming day, I will visit the Ganjam district where I will review the Berhampur, Aska and Kandhamal lok sabha seats, he added. The Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, which comprise 21 constituencies, are set to take place in four phases. The voting dates have been scheduled for May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. (ANI)