Pranab Criticizes Dharmendra Over Sujata Karthikeyans Transfer
Bhubaneswar: After the transfer of Secretary of Mission Shakti department, IAS Sujata R. Karthikeyan, wife of 5T Chairman VK Pandian, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has criticised Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is BJP MP candidate from Sambalpur. BJDs Organisational Secretary Pranab Prakash Das, in an X post, said that Dharmendra Pradhan dreamed of [] The post Pranab Criticizes Dharmendra Over Sujata Karthikeyans Transfer appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
BJD candidate Santrupt Misra richest in fray so far with Rs 461 crore assets
Santrupt Misra, the wealthiest Lok Sabha candidate in Odisha, declared assets of Rs 461 crore, including investments, London bank deposits, and luxury cars. In comparison, Dilip Ray has assets worth Rs 300 crore, while Sanatan Mahakud aims for Champua seat with Rs 152 crore.
JMMs Odisha Candidate List: Shibu Sorens Daughter to Fight for Both MP, MLA Seats
Bhubaneswar: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced its candidate list for the upcoming Odisha general elections on Friday. The list includes candidates for five assembly seats. Anjani Soren, the daughter of JMM leader Shibu Soren and the sister of ex-CM Hemant Soren is set to run for the Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha seat as well as [] The post JMMs Odisha Candidate List: Shibu Sorens Daughter to Fight for Both MP, MLA Seats appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
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 []
Soumya Ranjan Patnaik to Fight from Ghasipura Seat as Independent Candidate
Bhubaneswar: Ending all speculations, Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik confirmed on Friday that he will run as an Independent candidate in the upcoming elections from the Ghasipura Assembly constituency in Odisha. Patnaik made this declaration following a public meeting in Ghasipura, Keonjhar district. The MLS stated that he took the decision respecting the wishes of [] The post Soumya Ranjan Patnaik to Fight from Ghasipura Seat as Independent Candidate appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Seven Towns In Odisha Record Max Temp Above 43C; Boudh Sizzles At 44.6C
Bhubaneswar: About 26 towns in Odisha recorded maximum day temperatures above 40C, while Boudh became the hottest city in the state with 44.6 C on Friday, the IMD regional centre here said. The mercury soared to 43C in seven towns in the state. Following Boudh, Titlagarh recorded 44C, Nuapada 43.9 C, Balangir 43.4 C, Malkangiri [] The post Seven Towns In Odisha Record Max Temp Above 43C; Boudh Sizzles At 44.6C appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Rahul Gandhi addresses Odisha rally virtually after visit gets cancelled
Rahul Gandhi addresses Odisha rally virtually after visit gets cancelled Bhubaneswar: Congress leader Rahul Gandhis proposed visit to Odisha on Friday was cancelled as he had to file nomination for the Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh. The Wayanad MP, however, virtually addressed a rally in Rayagada constituency through a video conference. Expressing [] The post Rahul Gandhi addresses Odisha rally virtually after visit gets cancelled appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Sujata Karthikeyan Transferred As Special Secy To Odisha Finance Dept
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government Friday effected a minor reshuffle in the IAS cadres by transferring two senior bureaucrats from their posts and handing them new tasks. Accordingly, the General Administration and Public Grievance Department has issued a notification to this effect Friday evening. As per the order, 2000-batch IAS officer, Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to [] The post Sujata Karthikeyan Transferred As Special Secy To Odisha Finance Dept appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
TSSEZL, HYGENCO to set up a green hydrogen and green ammonia plant in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited (TSSEZL) and HHP Five Private Limited (Hygenco) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a green hydrogen and green ammonia project at TSSEZLs Gopalpur Industrial Park (GIP), in Odisha. Under this definitive agreement, Hygenco will acquire land in GIP, located in Odishas Ganjam district, to set []
Odisha Vigilance apprehends Asst Executive Engineer for taking Rs 50,000 bribe
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha vigilance sleuths Friday apprehended an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) for accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000 from a contractor. Vigilance sources said Rabindra Patra, the Assistant Executive Engineer of RWS & S, Jharsuguda, was caught while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a contractor for facilitating the release of his pending []
TSSEZL, HYGENCO to set up a green hydrogen & green ammonia plant in Odishas Gopalpur
Bhubaneswar: Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited (TSSEZL) and HHP Five Private Limited (Hygenco) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a green hydrogen and green ammonia project at TSSEZLs Gopalpur Industrial Park (GIP), in Odisha. Under this definitive agreement, Hygenco will acquire land in GIP, located in Odishas Ganjam district, to set [] The post TSSEZL, HYGENCO to set up a green hydrogen & green ammonia plant in Odishas Gopalpur appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Ex-VLW Dismissed From Govt Service After Conviction In Bribery Case
Khurda: A former Village Level Worker in Khurda district has been dismissed from govt service after his conviction in a bribery case, the Odisha Vigilance said on Friday. The convict, Ashok Kumar Patasahani, ex-VLW of Bolagarh Block, is presently posted as PEO in Khurda Block. Patasahani was charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance in Bhubaneswar Vigilance PS [] The post Ex-VLW Dismissed From Govt Service After Conviction In Bribery Case appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Bhubaneswar:Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, one of the leading private general insurers in India, today announced the launch ofPriv,an exclusive customer experience program offering access to elevated and unmatched customer service excellence. Traditionally, in India, the strive to increase insurance penetration over the last few years has largely been focused on tapping the customer base across [] The post Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Unveils Prive- A One-of-a-Kind Program that Provides Unparalleled Coverage and Service Excellence appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Kotia at electoral crossroads: Will people vote in Odisha or Andhra Pradesh?
Bhubaneswar: The decades-long territorial dispute over Kotia villages, nestled in the picturesque hills of Eastern Ghats along the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, has once again come to the fore during the ongoing general elections across the nation. With territorial rights being claimed by both the states, the matter is currently in the Supreme []
Bhubaneswar: BJP National President JP Nadda is scheduled to visit Odisha on May 5, 2024. He is scheduled to meet party leaders in Bhubaneswar, informed State BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra on Friday. Nadda is also scheduled to visit Cuttack and share key instructions with party workers and leaders regarding the strategy of the party [] The post External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to visit Odisha on May 4; BJP national president JP Nadda on May 5 appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Naveen Patnaik has concrete plan to take Odisha to top; BJD to sweep polls: Pandian
Bhubaneswar: Asserting that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has a concrete plan to take Odisha to the top in all fields, his close associate Kartik Pandian has said it is a matter of time for migration from the state to stop completely. In an exclusive video interview with PTI, Pandian also said the Biju Janata Dal []
Heatwave To Prevail For Two More Days In Odisha Districts, Thunderstorms/ Rain Thereafter
Bhubaneswar: Severe heatwave conditions will prevail in 16 districts of Odisha for another two days, the regional center of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here cautioned in its mid-day bulletin on Friday. At the same time, the weather office has said that thunderstorms and light to moderate rain are likely to occur in most [] The post Heatwave To Prevail For Two More Days In Odisha Districts, Thunderstorms/ Rain Thereafter appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Assam CM woos voters in Western Assam
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma speaking at a conclave in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar on Saturday. (Image: DC) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma speaking at a conclave in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar on Saturday. (Image: DC) Guwahati: Taking a U-turn from his anti-Muslim rhetoric, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), are engaged in false propaganda to deceive the electorate with lies. Stating that opposition was spreading fear among Muslims, Mr Sarma said that they spread lies previously that mosques would be shut down and religious practices like Namaz and Ramzan would be banned under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Contrary to his rhetoric in past, Mr Sarma highlighted that the Modi administration has now completed a decade in power without any such prohibitions and noted a cessation of communal clashes during this period. It is significant that Mr Sarma on Thursday travelled to Dhubri Lok sabha seat to campaign for the ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate, just a month after he declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not want to win the Dhubri seat and that he would never go there to seek votes. Mr Sarma described the Congress era as one marked by violence and disruption, characterised by Guns, Bullets, Bomb Blasts, picketing, and Assam Bandhs. He asserted that his government has eradicated these societal ills. Mr Sarma who addressed three public meetings at Gauripur, Bilasipara and Golakganj in Western Assam,said, I see a wave of enthusiasm among people in favour of AGP and BJP in parts of Dhubri where we didnt have any presence earlier. People have realised that Mr Ajmals (sitting MP Badruddin Ajmal) time in Dhubri is over, and they dont need Rakibul (Congress candidate Rakibul Hussain). The Dhubri Lok Sabha seat has been an AIUDF bastion since the 2009 general elections when Ajmal was first elected as an MP. He has been re-elected from the seat three times since. Sarma had last year claimed that the BJP does not want votes from Miyas for the next 10 years till the community discards practices like child marriages, sends girls to schools and stays away from fundamentalism. In a direct attack on his political rivals, Mr Sarma claimed that Congress candidate Rakibul Hussain and AIUDF candidate Badruddin Ajmal were merely putting on a show for the people of Dhubri. He urged the residents not to lag behind in the nation's progress and to actively participate in the development narrative being written by the NDA, which he confidently stated would form the next central government. AGP, a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in Assam, is contesting from Dhubri, one of Assams three Muslim-majority Lok Sabha seats, and Barpeta as part of the alliance. The BJP is contesting in 11 out of 14 seats in Assam, while its ally AGP is contesting in two seats Barpeta and Dhubri. One seat has gone to United Peoples Party Liberal. Dhubri is scheduled to vote in the third phase of the ongoing general elections on May 7.
Bhubaneswar: Anubhav Mohanty, the outgoing Biju Janata Dal MP from Kendrapara Lok Sabha seat and a prominent actor in Odia cinema, who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of elections, filed nomination as independent candidate from Khandapada Assembly seat. Anubhav Mohanty, who won from Kendrapada parliamentary seat, polling highest votes among all [] The post BJP Dashes Hopes Of Anubhav Mohanty, Actor Politician Files Nomination As Independent Candidate From Khandapada Assembly seat appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Dharmendra leads roadshow on way to file papers in Sambalpur
Dharmendra Pradhan filed nomination for Sambalpur LS seat, led roadshow with lotus symbol cutouts, thanked supporters, adorned vehicles with saffron flags. Rishi Kisan from Bamaloi village witnessed nomination. Pradhan of Chasa caste contests against Pranab Prakash Das.
BJD changes Deogarh candidate as it redraws Sambalpur strategy
BJD strategic candidate replacements in Sambalpur and Deogarh. Nominations with focus on Sambalpur Lok Sabha. Party dynamics and candidate shifts for upcoming assembly elections, including women representation.
Naveen files nomination for Kantabanji assembly seat
Naveen Patnaik files nomination for Kantabanji assembly seat amidst extreme heat, accompanied by BJD leaders. Focuses on prosperity and growth for Odisha, aiming for success beyond traditional bastion.
Odisha: EC orders transfer of Sujata Karthikeyan
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday ordered the transfer of commissioner-cum-secretary of Mission Shakti department Sujata Karthikeyan to a non-public dealing department with immediate effect. Sujata is the wife of 5T chairman and BJD leader VK Pandian. Sources in the ECI confirmed The New Indian Express that the action was taken following a complaint by the BJP regarding alleged misuse of public office and authority by the officer. Earlier in the day, the BJP had moved the poll panel accusing Sujata of misusing her position to influence voters through Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme for electoral gains of BJD. In its complaint, the BJP alleged the Mission Shakti department was being misused by the ruling dispensation to influence voters to vote for BJD in the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. As part of its charter of duty, the department promotes various women self help groups (SHGs) and provides gainful activities to its members by providing credit, market linkage and other financial benefits with a budget running into thousands of crores. The functionaries of the department have been compelling and coercing these SHGs with the threat of stopping the government financial benefits, thus making them propagate and influence the voters. This is a brazen violation of the model code of conduct under the garb of SVEEP for reaching out to a wider population with its messages of voter awareness and education, the complaint read. It would have been fair and proper for her to understand the implications of her being the wife of Pandian and she should have proceeded on leave and disassociated herself from the public dealing duty during the elections. However, she is actively participating in the elections as a front person of the BJD in a manner which has been unheard of earlier, the BJP complained. A delegation led by Union Minister Rajeev Chandershekhar, Rajya Sabha member Sudhanshu Trivedi and senior party leader Om Pathak met the poll panel demanding immediate action to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. Sujata could not be contacted for comment.
Odisha: Pranab Prakash Dass mom to fight from Korei as BJD candidate
BHUBANESWAR: Putting an end to speculations, BJD on Thursday announced Sandhyarani Das, mother of party organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das, as its candidate from Korei Assembly seat in Jajpur district. Sandhyarani replaces Ashok Kumar Bal, the partys sitting MLA from the constituency. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the list of candidates for the last three Assembly seats including much-awaited Korei. The party has changed the candidate for Deogarh Assembly seat by replacing Arundhati Devi, wife of Sambalpur MP Nitesh Ganga Deb of BJP, with Romancha Ranjan Biswal who had contested the 2019 elections unsuccessfully. The chief minister also announced Sabitri Pradhan as the partys candidate from Khandapada Assembly seat overlooking the claim of former MLA Anubhav Patnaik. Similarly, BJD has given ticket to Sukanta Nayak from Nilgiri Assembly seat. Nayak has consecutively won from the seat in 2014 and 2019 on BJD and BJP tickets respectively. Nayak had resigned from the BJP and rejoined BJD recently. The candidature of Sandhyarani from Korei is being seen as a back-up plan for Das who is BJDs candidate from Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat where he is pitted against BJP heavyweight and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. If Das fails to win, he can always get himself elected from Korei. The seat in Jajpur district is a family stronghold of Das and represented by his father Ashok Das five times. BJDs Khandapada candidate Sabitri is the chairperson of Bhapur block. The regional party had to change its candidate from the seat as sitting MLA, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik was expelled from the party. Meanwhile, announcement of candidates from Khandapada and Nilgiri has sparked resentment. Former MLA Anubhav Patnaik, a strong contender for a ticket this time from the seat, has resigned in protest. He is set to file his nomination as an Independent candidate on Friday. In his resignation letter to the chief minister, the former MLA said his father Arun Patnaik was with Biju Patnaik since 1985 and mother Bijaylaxmi Patnaik, a two-time MLA from the seat had worked to strengthen the partys organisation in the constituency. Patnaik said he had worked to strengthen organisation in the constituency. Santosh Khatua, the BJD candidate from Nilgiri in the 2019 also resigned from the party after his claim for a ticket was ignored.
Odisha police block 292 offensive posts related to elections
BHUBANESWAR: In the run up to general elections, Odisha Polices social media monitoring cell has blocked 292 offensive posts. The content was posted by supporters of various political parties on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. The social media cell sent 289 requests to Facebook to take down/remove offensive content. Of them, 181 posts have already been taken down/removed by Meta, which owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others. The cell had sent 190 requests to Meta to take down/remove offensive content posted on Instagram. Around 110 posts have been taken down/removed from the photo and video sharing social networking platform. Similarly, the social media cell had approached YouTube urging to take down three contents. One of them has already been taken down/removed by Google. Sources said more than 275 handles on various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, Reddit and others are under the surveillance of Odisha Polices social media cell and action will be initiated against those violating the law. Police have registered two cases since March 16 and arrested one person while another was served a notice under section 41-A of CrPC. The state government has designated CID-CB ADG, Arun Bothra, as the nodal/designated officer to issue take down notices to appropriate intermediary if any online content violates the law or any act. The social media unit of CID-CB is in direct contact with nodal officers of different social media platforms to quickly remove objectionable posts. Various open-source intelligence tools are being used by the police to effectively monitor the social media platforms during elections, sources said. On the orders of Election Commission of India (ECI), a special cell was set up in CID-CB to monitor social media platforms. CID-CB IG Shefeen Ahamed has been designated as the nodal officer of the social media monitoring cell for general elections-2024. Besides, cyber help desks and social media cells have been established in all police districts. A detailed plan/ SOP was prepared and circulated among all district SPs to monitor social media platforms and take action against anyone found to be violating the rules under their respective jurisdictions. Social menace Polices social media cell sent 289 requests to Facebook to take down/remove offensive content The cell had approached YouTube urging to take down three contents Over 275 handles under surveillance of Odisha Polices social media cellI
Dharmendra Pradhan richer by Rs 4 Lakh in 2 years, has over Rs 2.32 crore
BHUBANESWAR: Union Education Minister and BJP candidate from Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat Dharmendra Pradhan has declared movable and immovable property worth over Rs 2.32 crore and liabilities of over Rs 32.79 lakh. Pradhan had declared total assets including movable and immovable properties worth over Rs 2.28 crore with liabilities of over Rs 45 lakh on March 31, 2022. His assets have grown during the period by over Rs 4 lakh. The movable assets declared by the minister include deposits in bank accounts, joint accounts with wife Mridula Thakur Pradhan worth over Rs 60.94 lakh and Rs 35,000 cash in hand. He also owns jewellery worth Rs 13.5 lakh including 200 gram gold and 2.5 kg silver. He has computers and other articles worth Rs 2 lakh. Immovable property declared by Pradhan include agricultural land at Satyabandha within Khamar police limits of Angul district, the current market value of which is Rs 12 lakh. He had purchased the land on July 13, 2011 for over Rs 1.3 lakh. Pradhan owns non-agricultural land worth over Rs 20.50 lakh. Besides, he owns a residential building in Ghaziabad district in Uttar Pradesh having current market price of Rs 60 lakh. The Union ministers wife has movable and immovable properties worth over Rs 2.95 crore and Rs 1.37 crore respectively. She has liabilities of Rs 20.57 lakh. Besides, their daughter Naimisha and son Nishant have immovable properties worth over Rs 25.29 lakh and Rs 1.62 lakh respectively.
Odisha agriculture minister Raja Swain has no farmland, poorer than wife
CUTTACK: Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, who claims to be closely associated with the farming community by labelling himself chasi pua, does not own any agriculture land. This was revealed in the affidavit filed by Swain at the time of filing of nomination for BJDs candidate from Athagarh Assembly seat. The 70-year-old minister has stated in his affidavit that he has neither any agricultural land nor any non-agricultural land in his name. The seven-time legislator, who rode his 40-year-old scooter for filing his papers recently, is a crorepati but trails behind his wife, Manjulata Das. While movable assets including cash, bank balance, investment, motor vehicles etc worth Rs 85,85,790 are in Swains name, Manjulata has double the amount of movable assets. Manjulata possesses investments in share market, fixed deposits, car, gold and silver jewellery along with movable assets worth Rs 1,82,58,072. While Swain has only Rs 49,600 cash in hand, his wife has Rs 41,720. Similarly, Swain possesses gold ornaments worth Rs 8.50 lakh and silver ornaments worth Rs 65,000, Manjulata owns gold ornaments worth Rs 18.5 lakh and silver ornaments worth Rs 35,000. Swain also possesses a jeep, two motorcycles and a scooter. The scooter which he had rode for filing nomination is stated to have been purchased in 1982 and is valued at Rs 1,000. Two plots at Chandrasekharpur in Bhubaneswar and Bidanasi in Cuttack valued at Rs 1.48 crore are in the name of his wife. Swain has stated he has an ancestral property (a residential building) at Chandni Chowk locality in Cuttack which is valued at Rs 64 lakh. He owns one-fourth of the property, the cost of which is around Rs 16 lakh.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Cancels Odisha Visit, To File Nomination Today
Bhubaneswar: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his Odisha visit as he is all set to file nomination today, said latest reports. Congress has announced today that Rahul Gandhi will contest from the Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency, the seat held earlier by his mother Sonia Gandhi. He will file his nomination today hence Rahul [] The post Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Cancels Odisha Visit, To File Nomination Today appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Odisha: Will make paddy purchase clean & transparent says Manmohan Samal
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal on Thursday alleged irregularities of over Rs 1 lakh crore in paddy procurement in the state and assured transparency will be restored if his party came to power. Describing the BJD government in the state as anti-farmer, Samal said if BJP comes to power, all paddy grown by farmers will be procured. Asserting the BJP government will be farmer-friendly, Samal said the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy will be fixed at Rs 3,100 per quintal. There will be no delay in payment to farmers and they will get their money in their bank accounts in 48 hours, he said adding, there will be no katni and chhatni (reduction in weight of paddy per bag for payment). Alleging the state government has neglected the agriculture sector, Samal said Potato Mission and Onion Mission started by BJD has failed to yield any result. Samal said though the Centre asked the state government to provide financial assistance to 75 lakh farmers, only 44 lakh were given assistance under KALIA scheme. The state BJP president said because of the neglect of the government, all food procurement units are now closed. The state government has not taken any correctives measures though these issues have been flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) several times, he added. Stating Odisha witnessed a leadership crisis during BJD rule, Samal alleged while around 80 per cent people in the state depend on agriculture, the state government has failed to address the issues faced by the farmers. As a result, lakhs of youths are forced to move to other states as migrant workers, he added. Claiming the ruling BJD has done nothing to strengthen irrigation, he said farmers are facing problems as the state government failed to utilise funds provided by the Centre to boost irrigation. The Naveen Patnaik government also failed to set up cold storage and build seven barrages on Mahanadi river as it had promised. Meanwhile, dismissing the allegations as false and baseless, BJD Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra alleged the saffron party is shedding crocodile tears over farmers issues. Whenever there are elections, BJP leaders talk about such things and then forget, he added. Accusing BJP of doing nothing to mitigate the plight of farmers, he said the Odisha Assembly had unanimously adopted a resolution way back in 2017 for raising the MSP for paddy to Rs 2,930 per quintal. However, BJP leaders and the Centre failed to take any step in this regard in all these years as they are not worried about the problems faced by farmers, he added.
Dr PC Mahapatra is BJPs pick for Cuttack-Barabati assembly seat
BHUBANESWAR: The BJP on Thursday announced six candidates for Assembly seats in Odisha fielding its state unit vice president Dr Purna Chandra Mahapatra in Barabati-Cuttack segment, Shambhunath Rout in Ghasipura, Ashish Patra in Bhograi, Sudhanshu Nayak in Bhandaripokhari, Umesh Chandra Jena in Bari and Prakash Chandra Ranabijuli in Begunia. A renowned gynaecologist, Dr Mahapatra was in contention for Cuttack Lok Sabha seat. He was nominated from Barabati-Cuttack segment after the party fielded six-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who defected from BJD. The former head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the states premier SCB Medical College and Hospital left many surprised when he was chosen to one of the top posts of the party last year despite not being a primary member then. Kendrapara MP and actor-turned-politician Anubhav Mohanty, who had resigned from BJD, was also in the race for the seat. BJPs Ghasipura candidate Shambhunath is a surprise pick as speculation was rife about Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, who has been expelled from BJD, contesting from the seat after he hinted on similar lines during his visit to Maa Tarini temple at Ghatagaon on Tuesday. Known for his association with VHP and RSS, Shambhunath, had retired from state government job a few years back. The party has nominated Patra, the former block president of Congress, as the candidate from Bhograi. The three-time sarpanch and a director of Balasore-Bhadrak Central Cooperative Bank, he had resigned from Congress a week back and joined BJP on Wednesday. BJP sprang a surprise in Bhandaripokhari by nominating former BJD leader Sudhanshu, the husband of two-time chairperson of Bonth block. He had switched to saffron camp last year. However, Prakash, a close aide of sitting Bhubaneswar MP and BJP candidate Aparajita Sarangi has been named as the BJP candidate from the Begunia Assembly segment. It was being speculated that Begunia could be offered to veteran Prasanna Patasani if he switches to BJP from BJD. Similarly, Umesh, who had contested from Bari on Congress ticket in 2019, has been chosen over former minister Debasis Nayak, who had quit BJD and joined BJP in February. The party was also reportedly waiting for sitting MLA Sunanda Das to switch allegiance after she was denied a ticket by BJD this time.
Global honour for Odia boys startup
Bhubaneswar: Anup Paikaray, founder of Newrup Tech Solutions, a state-supported startup that manufactures the most affordable clean energy equipment, recently got an international honour at a programme in Boston. Anup is a graduate of Odisha University of Technology and Research OUTR), with a degree in Electronics and Instrumentation. He was the winner of the Smartideathon []
Wave of fake news as polls draw near
Bhubaneswar: With prominent party leaders taking into social media for assembly polls, a wave of misinformation and fake news by unidentified miscreants have filled several platforms. Despite several hundreds of fake videos and posts, hoarding up in social media, the Cyber Cell of Odisha police has kept mum on the issue. Sources revealed that many []
Aparajita, Manmath nominations raise Odisha poll heat
BHUBANESWAR: The intense heat did not deter thousands of BJP and BJD supporters from accompanying their candidates for filing of nominations for Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency. Flanked by thousands of supporters who resorted to loud sloganeering, both BJPs Aparajita Sarangi and BJDs Manmath Routray reached the collectorate in style. However, police had to be present in large numbers as the scene remained charged with both the camps fervently rallying behind their nominees. Prior to filing her nomination papers, Sarangi organised multiple rallies on the Bhubaneswar-Khurda collectorate stretch. The BJP candidate was seen taking part in bike rallies of supporters at Baramunda field at around 7.30 am. After this, she prayed at Bhuasuni temple and moved in a bike and car rally. At around 10.30 am, Sarangi took out a padayatra from Gita Bhawan ground. She reached the collectorate at around 12.30 pm with BJPs MLA candidates in the constituency as well as leaders and supporters in thousands. The electrifying atmosphere itself speaks about the love and faith people of Bhubaneswar constituency have for me. As I had said earlier, people are fighting this election for me. They were donating me funds and are now joining me in thousands of number for my nomination filing. I am confident that people will remain undefeated in this elections, said Sarangi. She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving her the opportunity to contest from the seat for the second time. Bhubaneswar BJP MP candidate Aparajita Sarangi takes out a huge rally before filing her nomination | EXPRESS Not to be outdone, BJDs candidate Routray also made a grand entrance of his own, opting for a more traditional way of procession to reach the Khurda collectorate. Surrounded by a sea of supporters, the BJD candidate reached the collectorate on a bullock cart to make a grassroots appeal. Earlier in the morning, Routray jogged to Lingaraj temple in Old Town to seek blessing of the Lord. He continued to jog for miles till Khandagiri and was later seen dressed as a farmer, heading on a bullock cart, to file his nomination papers. Mayor Sulochana Das and all the Assembly candidates of BJD in Bhubaneswar LS seat were present with him. As Paikas, we protect our land and in the free time get involved in agricultural activities. This is our real culture. I am also fighting this election as a Paika son to bring back Odia Asmita (pride), Routray told mediapersons, on his way to the collectorate, while thanking Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for imposing trust on him and giving him the opportunity to contest from the constituency and serve its people. Apart from the two Lok Sabha candidates, BJP candidate for Khurda Prasanta Jagadev also filed his nomination papers on the day. BJP candidate for Bhubaneswar-Central Jagannath Pradhan, BJDs Bhubaneswar-north candidate Susanta Kumar Rout and Jatni candidate Bibhuti Balabantray had filed their nominations recently.
Lost in Durga Puja mela, minor boy reunites with family after a decade in Odisha
BHUBANESWAR: The joy of Chuba Sirka, a tribal woman of Jipabandh village in Mayurbhanj district, knew no bounds when she saw her son Diku Sirka after a decade. It was a hope she had given up on till the district child protection officer (DCPO) took the help of Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) to reunite him with his family. Diku was only seven-years-old when he slipped from the firm grip of his mother during a crowded Durga Puja mela that was organised at Badampahar nearby and disappeared. The boy, who is mentally unstable to an extent, is the youngest among seven siblings. His father Tausa Sirka had died a few years before that. Neither could his family trace him, nor did they register a police complaint. Diku, on the other hand, managed to reach Jashipur, 25 km away from his village. On seeing the little boy wandering in the Jashipur market, locals questioned him about his whereabouts but the latter could not give them any details except identifying himself as Dipu. Subsequently, they handed him over to the police who produced him before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). The CWC sent him to a child care institution (CCI), Adruta Childrens Home at Baripada. He had been with us ever since and we were also sending him to a local school. But all these years, he could not tell us anything about his family, said DCPO Mamata Mayee Biswal. Whenever we took him to a Jan Seva Kendra to make a new Aadhaar card for him, the application got rejected and it was marked as duplication. Although it showed that his individual identification number existed, it could not be generated. We had lost hope because his facial features changed over the years and facial authentication wasnt possible to trace his original Aadhaar details, Biswal said. The DCPO and CCI then decided to approach OCAC at Bhubaneswar for the purpose. Last month, he was taken to OCAC and the officials concerned could use his facial impressions to find out his Aadhaar number and original address. Following this, the child protection authorities met the family to verify details of Diku. After confirming that he belonged to the Sirka family of Jipabandh, the boy - 17 years old now - was reunited with his family a week back.
GST collection in Odisha hits record high in April
BHUBANESWAR: Gross GST collection in Odisha hit a record high in April with an overall tax revenue of Rs 5,902.25 crore registering a growth rate of 17.21 per cent against the national average of 13 per cent. The gross GST collection including CGST, SGST, IGST and Cess, was Rs 5,035.74 crore in Odisha in April last year. Odisha has also breached all previous records in state GST revenue registering a phenomenal growth rate of 32.94 per cent last month. From the overall collection, the state share and IGST settlement was Rs 2,996.05 crore in April this year against Rs 2,253.71 crore collected during the corresponding period in 2023. The collection of state GST exclusively in April was Rs 2,081.83 crore, which is also the highest ever state GST collection since the introduction of GST regime. The collection under all acts monitored by the Commissionerate of CT and GST, including state GST, IGST settlement, VAT and profession tax in April was Rs 3,330.48 crore as compared to Rs 2,544.45 crore during the corresponding month last year. The collection under all acts posted a growth rate of 30.89 per cent. Odisha is among top-six states that have recorded the highest growth rate in collection of gross GST last month. Assam topped with a growth rate of 25 per cent, followed by Bihar (23 per cent), Punjab and Haryana (21 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (19 per cent). GST officials attributed the highest ever collection of tax to the growth in compliances and both domestic and interstate transactions besides the mining revenue. The GST collection now shows the buoyancy that was expected at the time of its roll out, they said. As many as 23.15 lakh of waybills were generated last month as against 20.9 lakh in April 2023. Of this, 12.38 lakh were intra-state waybills and 8.51 lakh were inter-state waybills. The highest 24.4 lakh waybills were generated in March this year. Impressive figures Rs 5,902.25 crore overall tax revenue collected in April Rs 5,035.74 crore gross GST collection in April last year Rs 2,996.05 crore state share and IGST settlement in April this year Rs 2,081.83 crore state GST collected in April
Mixed reactions to BMCs temporary traffic sheds
Bhubaneswar: To provide respite to citizens from the scorching heat, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started installing temporary sheds in all major traffic junctions across the City. However, the move got mixed reactions from a cross-section of people. Taking to social media, one denizen asked, Why not promote median plantation of big trees for a []
Odisha records highest-ever GST collection
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has recorded the highest-ever collection of Gross GST of Rs 5,902.25 crore in April 2024 against corresponding collection of Rs 5,035.74 crore recorded during April 2023, registering a growth rate of 17.21 per cent as against the national average growth rate of 13 per cent, a state Finance department release stated. The state []
Poll panel woos voters with messages on gas cylinders, bamboo hand fans
OMFED joins bid to boost voter turnout in capital city
Invitation letters to new voters
SUCI candidate hopes to make a mark with community support
20 crorepatis in poll fray in Ganjam, Gajapati
Modi to canvass in Berhampur next week
High-flying pilot takes to streets: BJDs Manmath Routhray holds Bullock cart roadshow in Bhubaneswar
The News Mill
Nuapada, Khariar grapple with fluoride content in potable water
1 held for circulating royals morphed image
Couple adopts baby given up by mom
BJP state unit targets BJD over farmers issues
BJP releases six more names for assembly polls
Candidates shake a leg, conduct roadshows before filing nomination
At 45 Celsius, Balangir town hottest in state
The News Mill
ECI Orders Transfer of Sujata Karthikeyan From Mission Shakti Dept After BJPs Complaint
Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) Thursday ordered the transfer of Sujata R. Karthikeyan, IAS, wife of powerful BJD leader V.K. Pandian, from the post of Secretary to the Mission Shakti Department of Odisha. According to reports in the national media, Ms Karthikeyan, Commissioner cum Secretary, Department of Mission Shakti, has been ordered to [] The post ECI Orders Transfer of Sujata Karthikeyan From Mission Shakti Dept After BJPs Complaint appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Odisha: 10 workers injured, some of them critically, in black furnace blast
Bhubaneswar: At least 10 workers suffered severe burn injuries in an explosion in a furnace of a steel plant at Rugudi in Keonjhar on Thursday evening. As per reports, all the injured workers are from different states and were engaged temporarily by a contractor firm. Like any other day, hundreds of workers were working when the furnace above them exploded and sparks of fire fell like rain covering an area of 50 meters radius. Hearing the explosion sound, workers started running helter-skelter. However, 10 labourers came under the fire sparks. All the injured labourers were rushed to the Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). Of them, four were stated to be critical.
Ex-VLW Gets 3-Yr Jail for Embezzling Govt Funds in Nayagarh
Bhubaneswar: Krushna Chandra Kanhar, the former Village Level Worker (VLW) and Executive Officer of Padmabati Gram Panchayat under Bhapur Block of Nayagarh district was arrested today from his residence. The arrest was made on the strength of a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued by the 2nd Additional Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar. Kanhar, along with two other [] The post Ex-VLW Gets 3-Yr Jail for Embezzling Govt Funds in Nayagarh appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Odisha BJP moves EC against IPS officer over alleged MCC violation
Bhubaneswar: The BJP Thursday lodged a complaint to the Election Commission against a senior IPS officer, alleging that the police officer violated the model code of conduct (MCC) and demanding his transfer outside Odisha. A delegation of state BJP leaders submitted a petition before the Odisha chief electoral officer and complained that IPS officer Ashish []
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submit nominations for Rajya Sabha polls
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submit nominations for Rajya Sabha polls BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, former central minister Jual Oram and several other leaders of Odisha on Thursday filed nomination papers for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Patnaik filed his nomination papers from the Kantabanji assembly segment under the Bolangir parliamentary constituency in the state's western region, two days after he filed his papers from his traditional Hinjili seat in Ganjam district. Patnaik chose Kantabanji as the second seat as it is strategically located and connected to three Lok Sabha seats such as Kalahandi, Bolangir, and Bargarh. These three LS seats were won by the opposition BJP in the 2019 elections. Patnaik in 2019 had also contested from two seats - Bijepur and Hinjili - and had won in both. He retained the Hinjili seat while resigning from the Bijepur assembly segment. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is set to contest the Lok Sabha elections after a gap of 15 years, also filed his nomination paper from the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat. Pradhan held a massive roadshow in Sambalpur city after offering prayers at Samaleswari temple. The blessings of Maa Samaleswari are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP will win 21 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, he told reporters. Five-time BJP MP Jual Oram, who is also a former Union minister, also during the day filed his nomination paper for the Sundergarh Lok Sabha seat after offering prayers at his village and tribal god. He is seeking re-election from the Sundargarh LS seat and is pitted against BJDs Dilip Tirkey, who submitted his nomination papers on April 30. Meanwhile, the Khurda collectorate witnessed a noisy scene when the supporters of BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi and BJD MP candidate Manmath Routray shouted slogans during the filing of nomination. After offering prayers at the Maa Bhuasuni temple at Jalna, Sarangi along with her supporters reached Khurda collectorate to file the nomination. Women supporters also took out a scooter rally from Baramunda ground to Khurda. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath and Lord Lingaraj, I am again seeking election from the Bhubaneswar LSD seat. This is a fight of the people of the constituency, she said. Manmath Routray, son of Congress MLA Suresh Routray, also arrived at the Khurda collectorate riding a bullock cart and blowing conches. I am a son of Paika (peasant soldier) and the bullock cart is its symbol. I am overwhelmed to see the crowd accompanying me to the collectorate. I am confident of a landmark victory in the elections, he told reporters. His father and Jatani MLA Suresh Routray, who has been expelled from Congress for supporting his BJD candidate son, was seen performing a traditional sword dance in the procession. While Sundargarh will vote on May 20, Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar will go to polls on May 25.
Social Media Cell blocks292 offensive poll posts
Bhubaneswar: The social media monitoring cell of the Odisha Police has blocked 292 offensive posts related to the general elections 2024. These posts were posted by supporters of various political parties and other groups on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), a release said Thursday. On the orders of Election []
Odisha reels under scorching heat, Bolangir records 45 deg C
Bhubaneswar: Odisha continued to be under the grip of a severe heatwave Thursday, with the mercury shooting past the 44 degrees Celsius mark at several places, the Met Department said. Bolangir sizzled at 45 degrees Celsius, followed by Angul town at 44.7 deg C, Nuapada (44.6 deg C), Talcher (44.5 deg C), Boudh (44.3 deg []
Naveen, Dharmendra, Jual file nominations
Bhubaneswar: BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, former central minister Jual Oram and several other leaders of Odisha Thursday filed nomination papers for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Patnaik filed his nomination papers from the Kantabanji assembly segment under the Bolangir parliamentary constituency in the states western region, []
Bolangir Boils At 45C; IMD Predicts Break From Heatwave In Odisha After May 6
Bhubaneswar: Severe heatwave conditions continued to prevail in the state for the 18th day in a row, while Balangir, Boudh, Nuapada, Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Nayagarh districts experienced heatwave conditions on Thursday. In 6 towns of the state, the temperature was recorded above 44C, while in total 29 towns recorded above 40C. Bolangir became [] The post Bolangir Boils At 45C; IMD Predicts Break From Heatwave In Odisha After May 6 appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Vedanta Aluminium Gets Punny With Its Latest Social Media Campaign
Bhubaneswar: If you thought theres not much to laugh about when it comes to metals and minerals, think again. In a refreshing departure from stoic Business-to-Business (B2B) conventions, Vedanta Aluminium, Indias largest producer of aluminium, has launched a quirky social media campaign called ComicAL, reconceptualising the versatile features of aluminium, often dubbed the Metal of [] The post Vedanta Aluminium Gets Punny With Its Latest Social Media Campaign appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
BJP Names Candidates for Six More Assembly Seats in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The BJP on Thursday named the candidates for six more Assembly elections in Odisha for the upcoming elections. Here is the list of six BJP MLA candidates: Ghasipura: Shambhunath Rout Bhograi: Ashish Patra Bhandaripokhari: Sudhanshu Nayak Bari: Umesh Chandra Jena Barabati-Cuttack: Purnachandra Mohapatra Begunia: Prakash Chandra Ranabijuli The BJP party has so far announced [] The post BJP Names Candidates for Six More Assembly Seats in Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Bhubaneswar: The BJP Thursday declared a fresh list of candidates consisting of six names for the upcoming Assembly elections in Odisha. The party allotted tickets to Purnachandra Mohapatra for Barabati-Cuttack Assembly seat and Sudhanshu Nayak for Bhandaripokhari seat. With this announcement, the saffron party has released as many as 146 candidates out of 147 Assembly []
Wife of Martyred Soldier Pledges to Continue His Legacy in the Fight for Justice
Wife of Martyred Soldier Pledges to Continue His Legacy in the Fight for Justice Kalpana Soren, wife of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, on Thursday said her husbands arrest was unexpected and it triggered a shock in the JMM and the family. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Kalpana said it is not in the DNA of tribals to bow and Hemant Soren would emerge stronger. ''We have full faith in the judiciary and we are waiting for Hemant to come out on bail and campaign for the Lok Sabha polls. He is innocent and has been trapped in a pre-planned conspiracy by the BJP-led government at the Centre,'' she said. Kalpana, who has emerged as a new face of the party, alleged that the BJP ''is a tyrannical force that is hell-bent to oppress the opposition.'' ''How will the Constitution be saved when you are arresting opposition leaders who are working for the poor, tribals and dalits. They (BJP) only tell lies. The saffron partys 400+ slogan has pushed the temperature here above 400 degrees. People of Jharkhand are seething in anger against the BJP government and will throw out this tyrannical force which is looting its rich mineral resources,'' she added. On her husband languishing in jail for over 90 days, Kalpana said, ''I have a question as to why all Enforcement Directorate (ED) action takes place only in opposition-ruled states.'' In the alleged rift in the family, Kalpana said, ''There is full unity. Hemant Jis brother was there during my nomination for Gandey bypoll on April 29.'' On her sister-in-law Sita Soren quitting the party, Kalpana said, ''It was her decision to part ways with JMM and my best wishes are always with her.'' Kalpana, 48, who is credited with infusing a new vigour into Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) rank and file after Soren's arrest earlier this year, said politics has never been her choice but circumstances thrust her into it. ''I will fight against injustice and dictatorial forces as bowing is not in tribal DNA. I will follow my husband's footsteps. He chose to court imprisonment rather than compromise his values. I am his better-half and will see to it that tyrannical forces get a befitting reply,'' Kalpana said. ''My husband's arrest by the ED was politically motivated and part of a plan to coerce him to join the BJP. His arrest is part of a plan by the central government to browbeat, intimidate and humiliate him but they will get a befitting reply in the elections,'' she said. Kalpana filed her nomination as the JMM candidate for Gandey assembly bypoll on April 29. Voting for the seat is scheduled on May 20 along with the parliamentary elections in the state. The seat in Giridih district fell vacant following the resignation of JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad. Kalpana, a homemaker with MTech and MBA qualifications, completed her school education from Baripada in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, and obtained her engineering and MBA degrees in Bhubaneswar. Her political journey began at the 51st foundation day celebration of the JMM here on March 4, when she claimed that a conspiracy had been orchestrated by her opponents ever since the Hemant Soren-led coalition government came to power in 2019. Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam on January 31. Speculations regarding Kalpana's candidacy arose following the resignation of Ahmad in December, with the BJP claiming it was to facilitate her candidature in case the ED issued summonses to her husband. Hemant Soren had, however, then dismissed rumours of Kalpana contesting from Gandey, calling it BJP's fabrication.
Im natural successor to Naveen Patnaiks great values, only BJP calls me outsider: Pandian
Bhubaneswar: Unfazed by the outsider barb of his opponents, Naveen Patnaiks closest associate Kartik Pandian has said he is a natural successor to all the great values of the Odisha Chief Minister and he will do everything under the sun to help his guru serve the people of the state. In a no-holds-barred attack on []
Change of guard in women's hockey team: Salima replaces Savita as skipper
Barring three changes, the squad was the same that took part in the Bhubaneswar and Rourkela legs of the Pro League in February this year
Naveen Patnaik changes Deogarh assembly candidates as BJD re-strategizes Sambalpur battle
BJD makes strategic candidate changes to strengthen its positions in various constituencies, including replacing Arundhati Devi with Romancha Ranjan Biswal. Contest heats up in Sambalpur LS seat between key players from BJP and BJD.
JHARKHAND: Kalpana Soren, wife of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, on Thursday said that the people of Jharkhand are seething in anger against the BJP government and will throw out this tyrannical force which is looting its rich mineral resources. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Kalpana said her husband's arrest was unexpected and it triggered a shock in the JMM and the family. She said it is not in the DNA of tribals to bow and Hemant Soren would emerge stronger. We have full faith in the judiciary and we are waiting for Hemant to come out on bail and campaign for the Lok Sabha polls.He is innocent and has been trapped in a pre-planned conspiracy by the BJP-led government at the Centre, she said. Kalpana, who has emerged as a new face of the party, termed the BJP a tyrannical force that is allegedly hell-bent to oppress the opposition. How will the Constitution be saved when you are arresting opposition leaders who are working for the poor, tribals and dalits. They (BJP) only tell lies. The saffron party's 400+ slogan has pushed the temperature here above 400 degrees, she added. On her husband languishing in jail for over 90 days, Kalpana said, I have a question as to why all Enforcement Directorate (ED) action takes place only in opposition-ruled states. Jailed ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren be freed soon after defeating tyrannical forces: Kalpana On the alleged rift in the family, Kalpana said, There is full unity. Hemant Ji's brother was there during my nomination for Gandey bypoll on April 29. On her sister-in-law Sita Soren quitting the party, Kalpana said, It was her decision to part ways with JMM and my best wishes are always with her. Kalpana, 48, who is credited with infusing a new vigour into Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) rank and file after Soren's arrest earlier this year, said politics has never been her choice but circumstances thrust her into it. I will fight against injustice and dictatorial forces as bowing is not in tribal DNA. I will follow my husband's footsteps. He chose to court imprisonment rather than compromise his values. I am his better-half and will see to it that tyrannical forces get a befitting reply, Kalpana said. My husband's arrest by the ED was politically motivated and part of a plan to coerce him to join the BJP. His arrest is part of a plan by the central government to browbeat, intimidate and humiliate him but they will get a befitting reply in the elections, she said. Kalpana filed her nomination as the JMM candidate for Gandey assembly bypoll on April 29. Voting for the seat is scheduled on May 20 along with the parliamentary elections in the state. The seat in Giridih district fell vacant following the resignation of JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad. Kalpana Soren files nomination as JMM candidate from Gandey assembly seat Kalpana, a homemaker with MTech and MBA qualifications, completed her school education from Baripada in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, and obtained her engineering and MBA degrees in Bhubaneswar. Her political journey began at the 51st foundation day celebration of the JMM here on March 4, when she claimed that a conspiracy had been orchestrated by her opponents ever since the Hemant Soren-led coalition government came to power in 2019. Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam on January 31. Speculations regarding Kalpana's candidacy arose following the resignation of Ahmad in December, with the BJP claiming it was to facilitate her candidature in case the ED issued summonses to her husband. Hemant Soren had, however, then dismissed rumours of Kalpana contesting from Gandey, calling it BJP's fabrication.
BMC installs temporary Overhead Sheds at Traffic Junctions in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar: With the aim to provide brief relief to the the commuters from of the ongoing scorching heatwave, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started installing temporary overhead sheds at the traffic posts. The BMC has installed temporary overhead shed of a polythene canopy with the support of bamboo poles and strings at different [] The post BMC installs temporary Overhead Sheds at Traffic Junctions in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Elections 2024: BJD Announces Candidate List For Remaining 3 Vidhan Sabha Seats
Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janta Dal (BJD) has announced candidates list for remaining three Vidhan Sabha seats in Odisha. The party has announced Sabitri Pradhan as candidate for Khandapada, Sukant Nayak for Nilagiri and Sandhya Rani Das from Korei. Meanwhile, the party has declared Romanch Ranjan Biswal as the new candidate for Deogarh assembly [] The post Elections 2024: BJD Announces Candidate List For Remaining 3 Vidhan Sabha Seats appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
ANALYSIS-Low turnout, apathy in India election a worry for Modi's campaign
ANALYSIS-Low turnout, apathy in India election a worry for Modi's campaign A lower turnout so far in Indias long general election has rattled Prime Minister Narendra Modis campaign managers, raising into question whether his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies can achieve the landslide victory predicted by opinion polls just one month ago. The lack of momentum has been partly blamed on apathy among party workers believing victory is assured and seems to have prompted Modi to change tack in his campaign speeches to try to fire up the Hindu majority, the partys support base, and get them out to voting stations, political analysts said. The last major opinion poll had predicted that the BJP and its allies could win three-fourths of parliament's 543 seats at stake on the back of Modi's popularity, strong economic growth, handouts and the inauguration of a Hindu temple on a contested site in the Hindu majority country. At the last election in 2019, the BJP won 303 seats and its allies won around 50 seats. Its slogan before this year's election began was Ab ki baar, 400 paar or This time, above 400. More than half a dozen BJP leaders and political analysts that Reuters spoke to said a lack of momentum in the two initial phases of the seven-phase election have dampened hopes of a huge majority for the party, although they said it was still likely to retain power in the world's most populous nation. What could be affected is the BJP's aim to get a two-thirds majority in the chamber, or 362 seats, which would let the party usher in far-reaching constitutional changes. The fall in polling turnout is mainly due to apathy among party workers and voters, said Sanjay Sharma, one of the members of the BJP's campaign committee in the northern state of Haryana. Some candidates were being affected by an anti-incumbency wave, he said, adding the party was facing a ough fight in the state where it won all ten parliamentary seats in 2019. Modi himself has shifted in his campaign speeches from a focus on the administration's successes in his 10-year tenure to targeting minority Muslims and the opposition Congress party. After the first phase, we saw a definite change of strategy by the PM...delivering Islamophobic kind of speeches, said Arati Jerath, a Delhi-based political commentator. Obviously, he has now decided to polarise the campaign. A total of 190 seats went to the polls on April 19 and 27 with approximate voter turnout at about 66%, the Election Commission has said. The number was only slightly lower than the last election in 2019, although there was a drop of 5-8 percentage points in voting in the BJP and allied-ruled states Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. The BJP had been hoping for a high turnout, believing that would signal that its supporters had voted in force. Polling ends on June 1 and votes will be counted on June 4. The government bans the publication of exit polls until all voting is concluded. 'BELOW EXPECTATIONS' Gopal Krishna Agarwal, BJP's national spokesman, said the voting numbers were elow expectations but would not have much impact on the final results. Many voters have become lethargic as they are convinced about the victory of the party, he said. The BJP's shift in tack may have backfired with some voters. We have lost interest because the BJP is seeking votes by communalising the campaign, and not on its performance, said Vikash Kumar, a voter in Rajnandgaon in the state of Chhattisgarh. Kamal Abbas, a Muslim shopkeeper in the city of Lucknow, the capital of politically vital Uttar Pradesh state, reflected the sense of apathy. He said he would not waste time and money to travel to his hometown Prayagraj to vote as Modi's party was set to win the election. Minority votes do not stand anywhere in the majoritarian government... there is no point in wasting time, he said. Anirudh Singh, one of the district campaign managers of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, said the party would have reaped rich electoral dividends if the election was held during February-March, when fervour over the construction of the Ram Temple was at its peak. The party has failed to encash public support for Modi after the inauguration of the temple, said Singh, noting that the religious feel-good mood had by and large been replaced by issues like jobs and inflation. So far there's neither a communal wave, nor a Ram wave, nor a Modi wave in the election, said Jerath, the political commentator, noting Modi would have to re-invigorate his party workers and supporters if he hoped for a sweep. After being battered by Modi in the two last general elections, opposition parties are hopeful of a better performance. The shift in the language and style of Modi's campaign reflected a sense of nervousness, said Jairam Ramesh, a Congress party general secretary. The initial voting trends show there is no Modi wave. In states where we were wiped out in 2019, this time the trends are encouraging, he said. Gilles Verniers, a political analyst who teaches at Amherst College in Massachusetts, said the BJP appeared to have revised its expectations and was feeling a bit rattled at the moment. But it's still a very long campaign. There's still room for events and surprises that may alter the course of the election, he said. The balance of probability continues to tilt in favour of the BJP, but not maybe as strongly as they would have hoped. (Additional reporting by Jatindra Dash in BHUBANESWAR, Saurabh Sharma in LUCKNOW; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Files Nomination from Kantabanji Assembly Seat
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik filed his nomination paper from theKantabanji assembly seat on Thursday. CM Patnaik is contesting the Assembly elections from Kantabanji and Hinjili Assembly seats. The Chief Minister kicked off the election campaign from Hinjili constituency on April 24.
Balasore Records Highest With 40.6 Degrees At 11.30 AM
Bhubaneswar: Despite relief from extreme heatwave in Odisha due to Kalbaisakhi, Balasore has recorded highest temperature with 40.6 degree Celsius at 11.30 pm today. According to data given by the regional centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Balasore recorded highest followed by Jharsuguda and Keonjhar with mercury standing at 40 degree Celsius. Temperature [] The post Balasore Records Highest With 40.6 Degrees At 11.30 AM appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
VIDEO: Hailstorm cracks windshield, Bhubaneswar-Delhi Vistara flight makes emergency landing
The Bhubaneswar-Delhi Vistara flight made an emergency landing, ten minutes after takeoff from the Biju Patnaik International Airport(BPIA) on Wednesday, after it was hit by a hailstorm.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik files nomination for Kantabanji Assembly Seat
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik officially entered the electoral fray by filing his nomination papers from the Kantabanji Assembly constituency. The filing took place at the Sub-Collector office in Titlagarh. Patnaik commenced his journey for the nomination process by arriving at the Tushra Aerodrome at 10:25 am. Subsequently, he made a visit to [] The post Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik files nomination for Kantabanji Assembly Seat appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Balasore: Bus Crashes Into Truck, Three Injured, Hospitalised
Balasore: At least three persons were injured after a passenger bus crashed into a truck on NH 16 under Basta police station in Balasore district on Thursday. According to the reports, the bus carrying about 60 passengers was on its way to Digha from Bhubaneswar. Near Barungadia, the bus driver lost control of the wheels [] The post Balasore: Bus Crashes Into Truck, Three Injured, Hospitalised appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
DRDO successfully test fires anti-submarine SMART system
BHUBANESWAR: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully flight tested the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from a test facility off the Odisha coast. Defence sources said the anti-submarine system was tested from a ground-based mobile launcher positioned at the launching complex 4 of Abdul Kalam Island. Designed and developed by DRDO, SMART is a next-generation missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system that will enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedo. This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, including a two-stage solid propulsion system, an electromechanical actuator system and a precision inertial navigation system. SMART carries an advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with a parachute-based release system. Several state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control have been validated during the test. The system will undergo two/three more developmental trials before going into user phase tests, said a defence official. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Samir V Kamat, lauded the synergistic efforts of the entire SMART team and urged it to continue on the path of excellence. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the industry partners on the successful flight test of SMART. The development of the system will further enhance the strength of our Navy, he said.
Delhi-bound Vistara flight returns to Bhubaneswar after facing hailstorm
The weather system led to cracks in the planes windshield and minor damage to the nose of the aircraft; DGCA is investigating the incident
Bhubaneswar-Delhi flight makes emergency landing after hit by hailstorm
The News Mill
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)
Vistara flight makes emergency landing at Bhubaneswar airport, passengers safe
The New Delhi-bound Vistara flight landed back at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) here barely 10 minutes after taking off, the officials said. The aircraft's windshield developed a crack due to the hailstorm that lashed several parts of Odisha this afternoon.
Rain-soaked Odisha gets respite from scorching heat as thunderstorm hits
Rain-soaked Odisha gets respite from scorching heat as thunderstorm hits Thunderstorms along with rain brought respite from the prevailing heatwave conditions in some coastal districts of Odisha on Wednesday, even as 15 towns in the state recorded temperatures of 43 Celsius or above. Thunderstorms along with rain, lightning and hailstorms occurred in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Banki, Athagarh, and some other places in the state this afternoon, an IMD official said. Lightning along with rainfall would occur in the south coastal, north coastal, and neighbouring coastal districts of Odisha in the next 24 hours, the official said. The districts of Rayagada, Gajapati, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Nayagarh and south interior pockets would witness rainfall, said Manorama Mohanty, director, Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre. The temperatures may fall by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius due to rainfall activities. However, severe heatwave conditions would continue in the state for the next few days, she said. ''We have issued a red alert for heatwave in some districts in the next two days while an orange warning is issued for another two days and then yellow warning. It shows that the temperature would gradually come down in many parts of the state,'' Mohanty said. She said that the day temperature would fall by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius in the state after May 5. On Wednesday, 15 towns in Odisha recorded a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius or above. The coal town of Talcher was the hottest place in the state at 45 degrees Celsius, followed by Boudh and Titlagarh with 44.5 degrees each. Nuapada town in western Odisha recorded a temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius while it was 44.3 degrees at Angul and Jharsuguda, 44 degrees at Bolangir and 43.8 degrees at Baripada.
Vistara Flight, Hit By Hailstorm, Makes Emergency Landing In Bhubaneswar
A flight from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi returned minutes after take-off and made an emergency landing after the aircraft was caught in a hailstorm and suffered damage today, an official said.
Vistara flight makes emergency landing at Bhubaneswar airport after being hit by hailstorm
Bhubaneswar: A flight from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi returned minutes after take-off and made an emergency landing after the aircraft was caught in a hailstorm and suffered damage Wednesday, an official said. The 169 passengers and crew on board are safe. The New Delhi-bound Vistara flight landed back at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) []
Delhi-Bound Vistara Flight Makes Emergency Landing At Bhubaneswar Airport Minutes After Take-Off
Initial reports suggest that the windshield of the aircraft developed a crack in the hailstorm that hit several parts of Odisha today
India successfully flight-tests Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo
Bhubaneswar: India on Wednesday successfully flight-tested Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The SMART was flight-tested at around 8.30 am. SMART is a next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedo. This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system and precision inertial navigation system. The system carries an advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with a parachute-based release system. The missile was launched from the ground mobile launcher. Several state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control have been validated in this test. Defence minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the industry partners on the successful flight-test of SMART. The development of the system will further enhance the strength of our Navy, he said. Secretary, department of defence R&D and chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat lauded the synergistic efforts of the entire SMART team and urged it to continue on the path of excellence.
Norwester Rain Brings Slight Relief From Sizzling Heat
Bhubaneswar: After experiencing rainfall due to Norwester, Odisha has now received some relief from the scorching heat. Rain shower was experienced in Twin cities of Cuttack And Bhubaneswar along with several other parts of Odisha. The sizzling temperatures have come down in most parts. Twin cities and many parts of the state experienced rains [] The post Norwester Rain Brings Slight Relief From Sizzling Heat 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.
