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 .

Odisha: Undertrial prisoner dies in Kandhamal hospital; family alleges torture

BERHAMPUR: An undertrial prisoner, Abhiram Digal (34), hailing from Dimirikuda village within Phiringia police limits in Kandhamal district, passed away while undergoing treatment at the Kandhamal district headquarters hospital (DHH) on Tuesday night. Digal, who was facing an NDPS case, had surrendered to the police on April 15, 2024, after a non-bailable warrant was issued against him in a ganja smuggling case. He was subsequently sent to Phulbani Jail. Digals health reportedly deteriorated on Tuesday while in jail, due to which he was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his illness. Tension gripped the hospital premises following his death, which was defused after police intervention. Mikhail Digal, the deceaseds brother, lodged a complaint with Phulbani town police, alleging that Abhirams death was a result of torture during his time in custody. He claimed that Abhirams body bore multiple injury marks, and his family was not informed of his deteriorating health prior to his transfer to DHH. The family further asserted that Abhiram was in good health before being incarcerated but suffered due to alleged police brutality, including physical assault. Responding to the allegations, Phulbani SDPO Suprasanna Mallik stated that Abhiram was admitted to the hospital due to illness. The body has been sent for autopsy, and the cause of death can only be determined after the report is received. An impartial inquiry has been demanded by Abhirams family into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Elections for four LS, 28 Assembly seats in Odisha notified, nominations start

BHUBANESWAR: Notifications for four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly constituencies of Odisha which go to polls in the fourth phase of elections in the country and the first in the state on May 13, were issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday. Polling will be held in Kalahandi, Nabarangpur (ST), Berhampur and Koraput Lok Sabha seats in the fourth phase, stated the notification. Chief electoral officer (CEO) Nikunja Behari Dhal said elections will also be held in 28 Assembly constituencies, segments of the four Lok Sabha seats, on the day. The filing of nomination papers started for the constituencies on Thursday. While the last date for filing of nominations is April 25, the papers will be scrutinised on April 26. The last date of withdrawal of nominations is April 29, he added. The CEO told mediapersons that political parties have been advised not to take out huge rallies during the filing of nominations because of the heatwave conditions. While booths will be open from 7 am to 6 pm, the polling time will be two hours less in some areas. The booths will close at 4 pm in left-wing extremism-affected segments. These include 39 polling stations in Nuapada and 29 in Khariar segment. However, polling will be closed in both these Assembly segments at 5 pm. Similarly, polling will be closed at 4 pm at 22 polling stations in Umerkote (ST) segment but in non-affected polling stations, voting will continue till 6 pm. The CEO said voting in 40 polling stations in Jharigram (ST), Nabarangpur (ST) and Dabugam (ST) segments will be closed at 4 pm. Similarly, polling will be completed in all the polling stations in Lanjigarh (ST) segment in Kalahandi district by 4 pm. In Mohana (ST), Laxmipur (ST) and Pottangi (ST) segments, he said, voting will be closed at 4 pm. Polling in Kotpad and Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and other seats in Gajapati and Nuadapa districts will end at 5 pm. Voting will take place in as many as 7,289 polling stations across the four seats. As many as 14 auxiliary polling stations have also been set up at different places where more than 1,500 voters will be able to exercise their franchise. The CEO said there are more female voters (31,87,771) compared to male (30,96,243) in the four Lok Sabha constituencies. Among the total 62,84649 voters, 635 are transgenders. While 2.78 per cent voters are in the 18-19 year age group, 23.34 per cent are in 20-29 year age group, he said. Ready for battle: Four LS and 28 Assembly seats The last date for filing of nominations: April 25 Scrutiny : April 26 Last date of withdrawal of nominations: April 29 In LWE-affected areas, poling closes at 4 pm Over 31 lakh female voters to exercise their franchise in this election.

One hurt in firing during Ram Navami procession

BERHAMPUR: Kantamal police in Boudh district arrested a 21-year-old youth who allegedly opened fire during a kirtan procession on the occasion of Ram Navami, leaving a person injured on Wednesday. The victim, Biswamitra Jani (29), was rushed to the local hospital and later transferred to Raipur as his condition worsened. The accused, identified as Balabanta Nayak (21) from Sana Manamunda village of Khatkhatiya panchayat, was detained by villagers and subsequently handed over to the police. Reports indicate that the incident occurred on Wednesday night during the Namayajna procession at Pipalpali village, where two rounds were fired into the crowd, causing panic and chaos. Following the gunfire, Jani was found to have sustained serious injuries and taken to Kantamal hospital before being transferred to the district headquarters hospital and then to Raipur after his condition deteriorated. While the motive behind the shooting has not been determined, preliminary investigations suggest a history of enmity between the two groups involved. As of now, the firearms used in the incident have not been seized. The police registered a case against Nayak and presented him before the court. Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.

BJD takes the royal slice in electoral battle

BHUBANESWAR: Odishas poll battles have been incomplete without royal representation for decades. The ensuing twin elections are no different. This time, 12 royals are in fray - 10 for Assembly seats and two as MP candidates. For the Assembly seats, a majority of the royal members have been picked up by the BJD while the Lok Sabha candidates are BJPs choice. Congress has fielded just one from the royal family members. In Southern Odisha, the royals of Chikiti, Dharakote and Khallikote have had a sway over voters since Independence. This time, the queens of Chikiti and Dharakote - Usha Devi and Nandini Devi - have paved the way for their young heirs to take their political legacy forward. The mothers are now campaigning for their scions. Wife of Trigunateeta Deb, Usha first represented the Chikiti Assembly segment in 1990 (won on Janata Dal ticket) and went on to win six times from the seat. Prior to her, her father-in-law Sachidananda Narayan Deb was elected the MLA of Chikiti twice in 1971 and 1974 on Congress ticket. In her 70s now, she has chosen her engineer son Chinmayananda Srirup Deb to take the mantle forward. Reposing faith in Ushas choice, BJD has granted a ticket to Srirup. In Dharakote, third generation of the royal family and the crowned raja saheb Sulakhyana Gitanjali Devi has got the BJD ticket from the Sanakhemundi Assembly segment this time. The daughter of former BJD MLA of Sanakhemundi Nandini Devi, Gitanjali got into politics seven years back. She was her mothers election manager in the 2019 polls. The second generation of Dharakote royals have had their political roots in the BJP. Dharakote raja and Nandinis husband Kishore Chandra Singh Deo was a BJP leader. In 2009, Nandini fought the seat on a BJP ticket but lost. After the death of Singh Deo, she joined BJD and was elected as MLA from the seat in 2014. Three generations of the Dharakote royal family have been into Southern Odisha politics which began with Ananta Narayan Singhdeo who had won the Soroda Assembly segment several times and was a cabinet minister in the past. After him, his wife Shanti Devi won the seat for the erstwhile Janata Dal, said former political science faculty member of Berhampur university Bishnu Charan Choudhury. In the past, while Western Odisha had gadjats (princely states), it was zamindars in Southern Odisha who enjoyed the title of raja and rani. They had a large following till the 70s-80s but the scenario changed a lot after that. Currently, not the title of king or queen but the image and vote banks of the political parties that they represent, are getting them the votes, Choudhury added. In Western Odisha, BJP has retained Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo as Balangir MP candidate and chosen Kalahandi queen Malavika Keshari Deo as the Kalahandi MP face. Wife of former minister and senior BJP leader KV Singh Deo, Sangeeta has been elected from the Balangir Lok Sabha seat four times in the past. Kaliesh Narayan Singh Deo, two-time MP from Balangir, this time fights from the Assembly segment. KV will fight from Patnagarh seat on BJP ticket. In the Kalahandi Parliamentary constituency, BJP nominated Malavika, wife of former MP Arka Keshari Deo. The royal couple, who were initially members of BJD, had quit the ruling party after being denied ticket in 2019 and joined BJP in 2023. Arka is the son of Bikram Keshari Deo, Kalahandi royal family scion and BJP leader, who had won the seat thrice. Likewise, the BJD has projected Bamanda queen Arundhati Devi, who is the wife of Deogarh king and BJPs Sambalpur MP Nitesh Ganga Deb, as its Deogarh Assembly candidate and Pushpendra Singh Deo, another royal, for the Dharmgarh seat. The regional party has also fielded Sanjukta Singh to fight from Angul seat. She is the wife of Rajanikant Singh who is the scion of Angul royal family. Congress, on the other hand, is depending on Susmita Singh Deo, a member of the Dhenkanal royal family, to win the Dhenkanal Assembly seat. From Nayagarh, Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh will fight the seat for BJP. Pratap Deb, member of Aul royal family, will fight for the Aul seat for BJD. Even today, royal families continue to reign over voters. People, particularly in Balangir, still believe they are the praja of the raja. Everywhere else, voters hold the royal family members in high esteem and believe that they are the ones who would listen to their demands and put in efforts to fulfil them. This image of the royals is the key to their success in the political landscape, said political analyst Satya Prakash Das.

Odisha: Sulakhyana Gitanjali Devi up for Sanakhemundi fight

BERHAMPUR: Sulakhyana Gitanjali Devi, the scion of the Dharakote royal family and current chairperson of Dharakote block in Ganjam district, had taken the first step into electoral politics in 2017 panchayat elections. Having been nominated by the BJD ticket for the Sanakhemundi Assembly segment this year, it is a huge leap for her. At 27, she is the youngest chairperson in Ganjam district, and aims to continue her familys legacy in public service. The eldest daughter of BJD leader and former Sanakhemundi MLA Nandini Devi, Gitanjali was crowned the symbolic king of Dharakote in 2010 after the demise of her father Kishore Chandra Singh Deo. A law degree holder, Gitanjali gained prominence in 2010 when she performed the ceremonial sweeping of the chariots during Jagannath Rath Yatra, usually done by the king. Her lineage and dedication to public service have earned her the opportunity to represent her constituency in the upcoming elections. Her candidacy announcement has garnered widespread support, with thousands of admirers and BJD workers expressing their delight and gratitude towards Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Expressing her commitment to serving the people of Dharakote, Gitanjali acknowledged the empowerment initiatives for women pioneered by Naveen Patnaik. She credits her mother, former Sanakhemundi MLA Nandini Devi, for paving the way and vows to continue the developmental work initiated in the region. I owe it to my mother and the people of Dharakote, said Gitanjali. The empowerment to women by the CM is unmatchable, she said, adding, the numerous developmental schemes executed by BJD in the state are beneficial to all sections of people. Due to the encouragement by CM Naveen Patnaik, my mother could represent the Sanakhemundi segment where many developmental works have been taken up. There are more things to come and I am sure I will live up to the expectations of the people, she assured. She is ready to take forward family tradition. In the electoral fray, Gitanjali faces tough competition from prominent candidates, including incumbent MLA Ramesh Jena of Congress and Uttam Panigrahi of BJP. The Communist Party is also contemplating fielding a candidate for the segment. With her seven years of experience in public life and the backing of Naveen Patnaiks leadership, Gitanjali aims to win the trust of the electorate and carry forward the legacy of service and development in Sanakhemundi.

Women voters outnumber men in four Odisha Lok Sabha seats scheduled go to polls May 13

Bhubaneswar: Women voters outnumber men in the four Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha that go to polls 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 []

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.

Tuning with politicians, the folk way

BHUBANESWAR: Come elections and traditional folk artistes along with politicians take the front row as far as campaigning is concerned. And the twin elections this year are no different. With the elections a month away, candidates of different political parties have started campaigning during which, they are accompanied by not just their followers but also the folk artistes who are known to attract crowds both in urban and rural areas. Beats of dhol and mrudanga along with performances of Paika, Gotipua and Ranappa are just some of the scenes that welcome people to election campaigns these days. The state has more than 22,000 folk art teams, each comprising at least 10 to 20 members, registered with the Culture department. While these groups remain busy at least six months in a year with cultural events and governments IEC programmes, the elections bring them an opportunity to perform every day. They are also given food apart from the remuneration. Among the troupes, Jodi Sankha, Ghoda Nacha, Bagha Nacha, Gotipua and Paika performers are much in demand for campaigns. Generally, we seek Rs 500 to Rs 800 per performance but there are politicians who also pay us Rs 1,000 per performance during campaigns and road shows. We have to perform one to two hours during the campaign, said Ramesh Behera, a Bagha Nacha performer from Berhampur. Similarly, a team of eight Ghoda Nacha performers are being paid Rs 9,000 to Rs 14,000 per campaign. It is during the election season, we get orders for performance everyday along with food and travel expenses. Sometimes, we just have to perform during the politicians arrival to draw the attention of people. The money that we earn during these two months are sufficient to last for a year, said a Jodi Sankha musician Mohan Kumar Sahoo of Balianta. Sahoo and his troupe have received orders for performances by two politicians in the capital city till the last date of election campaigns. For voters awareness too, both traditional folk dancers and musicians are the first choice of district administration. During the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programmes in various districts, the authorities concerned roped in folk artists of various forms including Kirtan and Pala. In rural areas, voters easily connect with folk performers. These artistes integrate the importance of voting into their folk songs which are a hit among people, said a CEO-Odisha official. Almost every district conducting SVEEP programmes is using folk artistes for the purpose.

MKCG Medical College Hospital doctors conduct key-hole surgery on minor girl

BERHAMPUR: A team of doctors at MKCG Medical College and Hospital here successfully performed a critical surgery on a nine-year-old girl who suffered from the rare Cushing Syndrome. The girl who hails from Khandadeuli village was admitted to the endocrinology department with obesity and high blood pressure. Endocrinology Prof Ravi Kumar after examining the girl diagnosed the disease as Cushing Syndrome. The doctors team including paediatric surgeons, urologists, and anaesthetists conducted the operation under the supervision of dean Prof SK Mishra. The operation, lasting for three hours was conducted on April 9. The girl is said to be stable after the operation. The critical operation involved laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy for removal of both adrenal glands. Prof Ravi said that an excess cortisol can cause some of the main symptoms of Cushing Syndrome - a fatty hump between the shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on the skin. Cushing syndrome can also cause high blood pressure or bone loss and type-2 diabetes. The treatment options include surgery, radiation, and medication, he added. Cushing Syndrome, a rare condition caused by a genetic disorder called primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD), and is seen in less than one in two lakh people.

BJD walks women empowerment talk in Ganjam district, Opposition lags behind

BERHAMPUR: Dissent within its ranks notwithstanding, the BJD led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has remained committed to its pledge of allocating 33 per cent tickets to women candidates, in Ganjam district to be precise, for the upcoming elections. The BJD nominated five women as candidates in 11 assembly segments. Similarly, one out of the two Parliamentary constituencies in the district has a woman nominated by the ruling party. This decision, reminiscent of the last general elections, showcases Odisha leads in womens empowerment in the electoral field. This is in contrast to the BJP which has fielded a lone woman candidate, for Aska segment in the district. The ruling partys decision to field Ranjita Sahu for Aska Parliamentary constituency, replacing incumbent MP Pramila Bisoyi, is notable. Similarly, for assembly segments, the BJD has chosen Suryamani Vaidya for Khalikote, Latika Pradhan for Kabisuryanagar, Manjula Swain for Aska, Sulakshyana Gitanjali Devi for Sanakhemundi, and Sanghamitra Swain for Soroda segment. While Suryamani, Latika and Manjula are sitting MLAs and seeking re-election from their respective segments, Sanghamitra is a first timer and replaced her husband Purnachandra Swain, the incumbent MLA. Similarly, Geetanjali replaced her mother Nandini Devi who was MLA of Sanakhemundi in 2014-19 term. Though some senior party workers have defected to the BJP in opposition to the five women contenders, the BJD remains steadfast in its stand and confident of their success at the polls. The partys track record in women empowerment initiatives, such as 50 per cent reservation in panchayati raj institutions, resolutions for 33 per cent reservation in legislative bodies, and various welfare schemes, has bolstered its stance. Economic development, education, health, and welfare, women are increasingly taking centrestage across the district. The BJDs commitment to womens empowerment sets it apart from other political parties, which is likely to give the party an upper hand in the ensuing elections.

Tribal paintings adorn polling booths in Odishas Gajapati

Berhampur: In a bid to promote the elections as a festival of democracy among tribal people, the Gajapati district administration has adorned polling booths with igital, a unique painting of the Souras, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in Odisha. When people to go polling booths May 13 to cast their votes, they will find []

Odisha cops rescue 12 girls held captive for two months

BARIPADA: Police on Tuesday rescued 12 girls held captive in a house at Bijayramchandrapur under Bhanjpur police limits in Mayurbhanj district. The girls, most of whom are below 18 years of age, are natives of Ganjam, Gajapati and Berhampur. They were reportedly held captive in the house for the last two months. Incidentally, the house is owned by a constable in Bhanjpur police station who had rented it out to the owner of an online trading company. Police have detained a person in connection with the case and are interrogating him. Sources said police came to know about the plight of the girls after one Babula Pradhan of Ganjam reached Bijayramchandrapur in search of his relative held captive in the house. Babula said his relative had called him on his mobile phone a few days back requesting him to rescue her from the house. She along with 11 other girls were held captive in the house by some middlemen who had promised them jobs in an online trading company. Some people were also guarding the house around the clock. He informed me that each of the girls paid Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 to get jobs in an online trading company. Their salary was supposed to be between Rs 14,000 and Rs 15,000 as per eligibility. After receiving the money, the company owner took the girls to Cuttack five months back. However, the girls could not get the jobs they were promised and were brought to Mayurbhanj and accommodated in a rented house in Bijayramchandrapur two months back. Babula alleged that the girls were being mentally harassed by their captors On being informed by Babula, Bhanjpur police rushed to Bijayramchandrapur and rescued girls. Baripada SDPO Sujit Pradhan said the rescued girls were hired by an online trading company to sell products. Police have asked the parents of the girls to come to Baripada. After proper counselling, the girls would be sent to their respective homes. Pradhan said police are yet to receive any complaint from the girls. Meanwhile, School and Mass Education Minister and BJDs Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha candidate Sudam Marandi reached Bijayramchandrapur. He said he has asked IG, Eastern Range Deepak Kumar and Mayurbhanj collector Dattatray Bhausaheb Shinde to conduct a high-level inquiry into the matter and take stern action against the accused.

In a first, MKCG doctors in Odisha conduct rare surgery on nine-year-old girl

Berhampur: A group of doctors in government-run MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur performed laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy of a nine-year-old girl child, who was suffering from Cushing syndrome, a very rare disease, for the first time in Odisha. Cushing syndrome is caused due to a rare genetic disease called primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease []

Rivals exchange pleasantries while campaigning in Silk City

Berhampur: Morning walkers in Silk City were surprised to see the leaders of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exchange pleasantries when they met while campaigning at the MKCG Medical College ground here Sunday. The leaders of different political parties have now adopted a strategy to start their campaigns []

Three youths of Ganjam arrested with gunpowder

BERHAMPUR: Purusottampur police arrested three persons and seized 750 gm gun powder from their possession for their alleged involvement in illegal transportation of explosives. The accused have been identified as Radha Madhab Pradhan (19) and Radha Krushna Pradhan (19), nabbed on Saturday evening, while Pramod Nayak (22) was held on Sunday. Acting on a tip-off, police team intercepted a motorcycle during a night patrol at Hundata village and arrested Madhab and Krushna while Pramod managed to escape from the spot. The duo confessed to procuring gunpowder to make country bombs for attacking their opponents. However, police initiated a manhunt and nabbed the third accused, Pramod near the village. A case was registered and explosive substances seized. The trio has been produced in the court and further investigation is underway to ascertain the place of procurement of the substances and to identify their opponents, said Ganjam SP Jagmohan Meena.

Protest erupts in Bissamcuttack over drinking water crisis

BERHAMPUR: Tension erupted in Bissamcuttack Assembly segment of Rayagada district as Minister and incumbent MLA faced protests on his way to Palkapada by women demanding solution to water crisis. During the melee, the supporters allegedly of a rival party also attacked the public. The incident unfolded as Saraka, seeking re-election on a BJD ticket, made his way to Palkapada village for an inclusion ceremony. However, his journey was disrupted by several women from Raghubari village, who blocked the road over an ongoing drinking water crisis in their area. Residents, frustrated by the lack of action on their long-standing demand for clean water, expressed their grievances by obstructing Sarakas path with empty water vessels. Amidst discussions between Saraka and the women, a youth, believed to be a Congress supporter, began recording the scene on his mobile phone. The situation turned violent as supporters of the BJD allegedly attacked the youth, necessitating intervention from village elders to defuse the situation. While the incident sparked tension, villagers continued their demand for a resolution to the water crisis, promising their support for any party or individual willing to address their concerns. BJD officials refuted claims of their involvement in the altercation, attributing the disturbance to Congress activists. However, with Saraka unavailable for comment and BJD leaders maintaining silence, the incident threatens to escalate into a political issue, with the Congress party condemning the alleged highhandedness of the BJD.

Explosives seized in Odisha, 3 held

Berhampur: Three persons were arrested Sunday after explosive substances like gunpowder were allegedly seized from their possession in Odishas Ganjam district, police said. The accused were transporting the explosive materials in a motorcycle, an officer said. During patrolling, they were arrested in Hundata area under the Purushottampur Police Station limits, a senior officer said. The []

Rival party leaders greet each other during election campaigning

Berhampur: Morning walkers in Odishas Berhampur were surprised to see the leaders of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exchanging sweet words when they met 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 []

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 .

SCB liver transplant plan a sham sans team of experts

BHUBANESWAR: Odishas premier health institution SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack may have successfully conducted the first liver transplantation with the support of experts from Hyderabad-based Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) last week but opinions are divided over continuity of the service in the absence of required trained staff at the new liver unit. The transplant services, initially envisaged to start as early as 2013, was delayed by over a decade despite availability of equipment and infrastructure developed at a cost of over Rs 22 crore. The procedure could not be started then allegedly owing to administrative callousness. Sources said an 18-member team of medical professionals including gastrointestinal surgeons, general surgeons, hepatologists, anaesthesiologists, radiologists and staff nurses were imparted training at New Delhi-based Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in 2014 on conducting the highly complex procedure. While two of them have retired from service, one has quit to join the private sector. Similarly two GI surgeons have shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital at Berhampur. A senior GI surgeon was among the two who have superannuated. GI surgeons are the most essential part of a liver transplant procedure. On April 3, a nine-member team from AIG led by Dr P Balachandran conducted the liver transplant on a 45-year-old patient for whom his wife was the donor. The entire procedure that lasted nearly 10 hours was conducted by the AIG team. Questions are being raised over sustainability of the transplant service as the MCH does not have senior GI surgeons in the rank of professor, who can take the lead. The liver transplant team of SCB comprising an associate professor of GI Surgery department have undergone only one-month training and that too 10 years back. Since they are not capable of handling the transplant on their own, the AIG team conducted the whole procedure. The SCB team is not fully capable and two of the trained professionals are now out of the medical college. Can the authorities continue the transplant service in such a scenario? wondered a health official. Sources said AIG has been roped in by the state government for around 20 transplants and the SCB team will get hands-on training during the process. The AIG team will be paid Rs 10 lakh per transplant for both transplant and post operative care. Stating the condition of the transplant patient is improving, SCB medical superintendent Dr Sudhanshu Sekhar Mishra said the AIG team will continue to support the liver transplant service until the hospitals team is fully trained and capable of conducting the transplant on its own. We are not going to hush up things. No decision has been taken or the patient selected for next transplant. It is a very complex procedure and we do not want to take any chance which will affect our years-long struggle to start the service, he added.

Teacher suspended for violating code of conduct in Odisha

BERHAMPUR: A lady teacher of a government school in Boudh district was placed under suspension on Friday for alleged violation of model code of conduct by participating in an election rally and procession of a political party. Boudh collector and district election officer, J Sonal issued the suspension order against Sanghamitra Mallick, an assistant teacher of nodal high school at Dahya. Sources said, she had participated in a political rally taken out from Palaspat to Ambagaon in Kantamal Assembly constituency of Boudh district two days back. A photograph of her taking part in a political rally went viral. The Boudh district education officer (DEO) was asked to identify the teacher. The DEO confirmed the photo was of Sanghamitra and initiated an action against her. In the letter, Sanghamitra was asked to remain at DEO office during her suspension period and not leave the headquarters without prior permission.

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.

Stardom no guarantee for political success

Bhubaneswar: As Odisha is gearing up for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, several stars of the Odia film industry were seen changing parties for tickets. Four actors quit the ruling BJD to join the BJP in less than a fortnight. Popular actor and two-time BJD MP from Berhampur Siddhant Mohapatra joined the BJP. Immediately []

Odisha Assembly Polls: Two families, brothers & a royal lock horns in Chikiti

BERHAMPUR: The Chikiti Assembly segment in Ganjam district, a stronghold of the ruling BJD since 2000, is all set to witness an interesting family battle, a first in Ganjams political history. Dominated by the BJD in the last two decades and half, the segment has seen a recent surge in BJPs influence, while the Congress base stands dwindled. This time, youth leader and industrialist Chinmayananda Srirup Deb, who carries the BJD torch, will contend against two brothers, fielded from two political parties. Srirup, with a decade of social work in the segment and previous experience as the campaign manager for his mother Usha Devi, a six-time MLA, enjoys a strong support base. However, he will have another politically influential family to take on. The BJP has nominated Manoranjan Dyansamantara from the segment whereas adding a twist to the plot the Congress fielded Rabindra Nath Dyansamantara as its candidate. Manoranjan and Rabindra Nath are sons of veteran leader Chintamani Dyansamantara, a three time MLA from Chikiti. The senior Dyansamantara was elected twice from the seat - during 1980-85 and 1995-2000 - as an Independent and once on a Congress ticket in 1985-90. Chintamani was Deputy Speaker of the Odisha Assembly twice and Speaker from 1996 to 2000. The Dyansamantara family wields considerable political clout in the region. If one goes back to the electoral history, of the 13 elections that the Chikiti Assembly segment has seen, the first six times were dominated by Congress between 1967 and 1990. Janatas Jagannath Pati won in 1977 while Congress was victorious thrice. Congress (R) and Independent candidates won once each. Of the six, Chintamani won twice - once as an Independent and another on a Congress ticket. It was Usha Devi who as a Janata Dal candidate put a stop to Chintamanis run in 1990. After that, the segment saw six more elections. Barring in 1995 when Chintamani won again as an Independent, Usha Devi went on to represent the seat as a BJD candidate a record five times on the trot, clinching a complete hold over Chikitis electoral battleground. As Congress nominee, Rabindra Nath leverages his fathers political legacy and pocket vote base but BJPs Manoranjan has experience of contesting elections since 2014. Both Srirup and Rabindra Nath, though, are newcomers to the electoral arena. Despite octogenarian Chintamanis withdrawal from active electoral politics, his backing may revive the Congress former glory. Acknowledging the familial rivalry, Congress Ganjam district (east) president Deepak Patnaik it will be an ideological contest over personal relations. Rabindra Nath asserts that it will be a contest between two ideologies and not between two brothers while Manoranjan points to his active political involvement and dismisses any family interference in his candidacy. Father Chintamani clarifies that his allegiance will be with the Congress while respecting his sons individual decisions. The dynamic segment, comprising Chikiti and Patrapur blocks, has seen a shift in loyalties with Srirups candidature, garnering support from erstwhile BJP and Congress supporters. As campaigning intensifies, Usha Devi lends her support to her son, setting the stage for a compelling electoral showdown.

Former sarpanch jailed for embezzling MGNREGS funds

Berhampur: Special Vigilance Judge Dr Arun Kumar Sahu Friday sentenced a former sarpanch to two years in prison after convicting him in a government fund embezzlement case. In addition, the judge also imposed a penalty of Rs 5,000 on him. In case of default, the convict has to undergo three more months of rigorous imprisonment, []

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 .

Dissidence surges as parties prep for polls in Ganjam

BERHAMPUR: As the date for the upcoming elections approaches, dissension within the three major political parties - the BJD, BJP (BJP) and Congress - in Ganjam district is on the rise. Following recent defections from both the BJD and BJP in the district, the Congress now faces a similar challenge. Senior Congress leader Pitabasa Panda resigned from the party and joined the BJP along with his supporters. Even when parties are calling for participation of more youths in politics, the ruling BJD has fielded Dr Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, an 80-year-old veteran who was elected five times in a row until 2014, for the Berhampur segment. Despite not contesting the last election due to denial of a ticket by the BJD, Chyau Patnaik remained loyal to the party, earning himself a nomination for the 2024 election. Chayu Patnaik will face BJP candidate K Anil Kumar, his protege and defector from the BJD. Anil, a businessman who began his political career as a councillor of Berhampur municipality and later served as representative of Chyau Patnaik, joined the saffron party along with defector Pradeep Panigrahy and secured a party ticket. Meanwhile, the Congress is yet to announce its candidate, leaving the field open for potential contenders. While several aspirants within the BJD remained silent after Chyau Patnaiks nomination, those within the BJP have expressed opposition to Anils selection. Siba Shankar Das, a strong figure and former mayor of BeMC who unsuccessfully contested from the segment twice, meanwhile, declared his intention to run as an Independent candidate. Additionally, veteran BJP leader Manoj Patnaik has also announced his candidacy as an Independent, adding further complexity to the electoral scene in Berhampur.

Sustainability grants extended to research centres of varieties in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: As many as 11 research centres of excellence (CoEs) of five public universities have been given sustainability grants to further their work and provide research internships to UG and PG students. At present, the research CoEs, operational at Sambalpur, Berhampur, Fakir Mohan, Utkal and Rama Devi Womens universities conduct Odisha-centric applied research in areas of natural sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences. The Odisha State Higher Education Council and a panel of experts from various fields recently evaluated the research work of the CoEs and provided them a sustainability grant of around Rs 61.5 lakh under Mukhyamantri Research and Innovation Fellowship programme for both 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic sessions. The CoEs were set up under World Bank-supported Odisha Higher Education Programme for Excellence and Equity (OHEPEE) and phase two of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). Officials said the council was appreciative of three research projects and provided the CoEs the highest grants of Rs 35 lakh each. These CoEs include that of Sambalpur university which is conducting research on natural products and therapeutics. The two other CoEs are of Berhampur university and they are developing sensors for supplying safe drinking water in Berhampur and detection of pesticide residues in Rushikulya river basin besides, evaluation of therapeutic outcome of plant-based extracts against pathogens. On the other hand, the experts panel expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of research projects undertaken by the CoEs of the Utkal university. Officials informed that the universitys CoEs were found not working on their research projects as per the target fixed during the inception of the centres and leaving funds sanctioned for the purpose unutilised. The majority of six CoEs of the total 11 are under Utkal university. The state government is already providing research grants to research fellows of CoEs and the sustainability grants will help in maintenance of the instruments/equipment in the centres, introducing research internship for students, publication of critical texts, engagement of research associates, among other things, officials added.

Sanakhemundi, Congress's last bastion in Ganjam awaits a keen poll battle

BERHAMPUR: The Sanakhemundi Assembly segment in Ganjam district stands out as a crucial battleground being the sole constituency represented by the Congress party in the district. The constituency comprises the Sanakhemundi and Dharakote blocks after being carved out of the Kabisuryanagar Assembly segment. In 2009, Ramesh Jena clinched victory as an MLA on a Congress ticket, despite facing numerous criminal charges, including murder and dacoity. However, in 2014, he was defeated by Nandini Devi of the BJD. Despite legal restrictions barring his entry into Berhampur without court permission due to pending cases, Jena reclaimed the seat in 2019, triumphing over Nandini Devi amidst the BJDs electoral dominance. Jenas dual role as the lone Congress MLA in the segment and president of the Ganjam Congress unit underscores his political influence for a long time till the recent restructuring of the Ganjam Congress unit into East and West districts. After that, Deepak Patnaik and Rabindra Sharma assumed leadership roles, yet Jenas sway remains intact. Despite losing the president post, Jenas candidature was declared in the first list of Congress candidates released last week. As the ruling BJD endeavours to wrest control of the segment, internal factionalism has been troubling the party. The delay in announcing candidates by both the BJD and BJP has left voters intrigued. While contenders vie for the BJD and BJP tickets, Jena has commenced his campaign, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle in the upcoming elections.

BJD cries threats to officials from BJP leader Pradeep Panigrahy, seeks action

BHUBANESWAR: BJD on Wednesday urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take stringent action against BJPs candidate from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat Pradeep Panigrahy for threatening officials. In a memorandum submitted to the chief electoral officer (CEO), a delegation of BJD leaders alleged Panigrahy has been threatening tehsildars, block development officers and other officials and demanding their support. He (Panigrahy) has allegedly stated those who do not support him will be transferred from their positions. Such behaviour is not only unethical but also illegal as it violates the principles of free and fair election, they added. Alleging Panigrahy has a criminal history including involvement in a scam that affected the innocent people of Gopalpur, the memorandum said he also threatened officials engaged in election duty in the past. Stating the BJD believes in the efforts of the ECI to ensure a democratic and transparent electoral process, the memorandum alleged the actions of Panigrahy has undermined the integrity of the process. The BJD urged ECI to investigate the matter thoroughly and take immediate action. His actions not only violate the model code of conduct but also pose a threat to the democratic fabric of the country, the memorandum added.

BJP candidate moves CEO against Odisha govt

BHUBANESWAR: Gopalpur MLA and BJP nominee for Berhampur Lok Sabha seat Pradeep Panigrahy on Wednesday met the chief electoral officer (CEO) and registered a complaint against the state government for withdrawing his security. Panigrahy, who was part of a BJP delegation led by senior leader Sajjan Sharma, said the state government has been ignoring his security despite two attempts made on his life on August 15 , 2022 and August 25, 2023. He told mediapersons that Ganjam, the home district of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is infamous for violence before every election. More that 100 murder cases were reported in 2023 and 13 such cases have been recorded so far this year. He said the chief ministers constituency, Hinjili is the most notorious place during every election. The voters of the constituency are not feeling safe due to the goondaraj of BJD workers who do not allow any dissent against the ruling party. He further alleged all senior officers of the district are working for the BJD. Panigrahy said a senior police officer is threatening disgruntled leaders and workers of the BJD of dire consequences if they quit the party. Submitting the memorandum, the BJP also named some of the senior police officers who are working for the BJD violation all norms laid out by the Election Commission.

Odisha BJP not following path shown by PM Modi: Bhrugu Baxipatra

Bhrugu Baxipatra was nominated by the BJD from Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency hours after he resigned from the BJP. He takes on Pradeep Panigrahy against whom he had launched an agitation in Ganjam district for corruption and other irregularities. Baxipatra speaks to Bijay Chaki on why he chose to join the ruling party How was your transition from the BJP to the BJD. You were the vice-president of BJP and were announced as BJD candidate for Berhampur Lok Sabha seat hours after you quit and joined the regional party. My acceptance in BJD was smooth. But the manner in which the BJP treated me was quite painful. After working sincerely for the party for the last 24 years, they (BJP) suddenly brought in Pradeep Panigrahy who was expelled from BJD over corruption and other irregularities and announced him as the partys candidate. Was that the reason you left BJP and joined BJD? How can I accept it? The BJP had asked me to organise an agitation against Panigrahy who was expelled from BJD for corruption and forgery. The BJP was at the forefront of the agitation against him and I was leading it. But you bring him into the party and give him the ticket. Can you imagine the situation? Whom do you blame for such state of affairs in BJP? The Odisha unit of BJP does not follow the path shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose image is being discredited because of the manner in which it is functioning. For the last four to five days, hundreds of partymen are protesting at the party headquarters over the choice of candidates. Have you seen such a thing in any other state in the country? The national and state BJP are two different things. They have no common ground. But Pradeep Panigrahy has emerged as a serious challenge for BJD after he was fielded by BJP from Berhampur. How do you plan to counter him? I do not think so. There is much hype and no substance in the statements given here by Panigrahy. Besides, I do not think he was a very adorable person. He is in public life for the last 25 years and has cheated people from his district. I do not think people liked him. Ganjam is the home district of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and voters here are solidly behind him. But the Oppositions strategy is wrong in the district. It has sidelined persons who had organisational skills and worked at the grassroots. How have BJD workers reacted to your induction and announcement of candidature for the Lok Sabha seat? The cooperation from the BJD rank and file was unexpected. There was no objection anywhere to my candidature. That is good news for me. Have the BJP workers followed you to BJD. How have they reacted to the new situation? The BJP workers are demoralised and unhappy after Panigrahy was announced the candidate from the Lok Sabha seat by the party. They are also unhappy with some Assembly candidates announced by the party. Their heart and soul are with us. The main challenge before me is to translate this goodwill to votes and approach different sections of voters like women, youth, businessmen, professionals and workers under the leadership of the chief minister. Do you think the BJDs margin of victory will increase this time? I got around 3.5 lakh votes as BJP candidate from the seat and was defeated by around 94,000 votes. This time, I am BJDs candidate and the margin will definitely increase.

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 forms manifesto committee to help BJD prepare poll document

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister and ruling BJD president Naveen Patnaik 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 []

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.

80,000 devotees flock to Odisha's Tara Tarini temple

BERHAMPUR: On the third Tuesday of the Chaitra month, more than 80,000 pilgrims defied the scorching sun to throng the Tara Tarini shrine in Ganjam district. The Chaitra Parba, an annual festival honouring the goddess Tara Tarini, commenced on March 27, with Tuesday marking the deitys manifestation as Saraswati. Decked in finery, the shrine atop the Ratnagiri hills welcomed thousands of devotees, with queues forming from the early hours of the day. Devotees believe that seeking the blessings of Tara Tarini during the Chaitra Jatra is highly auspicious, especially during a year with five Tuesdays of the Chaitra month. To accommodate the influx of pilgrims, the district administration has implemented elaborate arrangements, including transportation, resting areas, drinking water facilities, and traffic management. The Chaitra festival holds immense significance among the numerous celebrations at the Tara Tarini temple. Devotees offer prayers and offerings to the deities placed at the Bije Pitha. Under the 5T initiative, the temple had a facelift, embracing Odishas architectural heritage while enhancing the spiritual ambience and visitor experience. Chairman 5T VK Pandian also made his customary visit to the hilltop to pay homage to the revered deity on the day. Interacting with the temple executive officer TK Reddy, management committee office bearers led by Pramod Kumar Panda, and servitors led by Bapuji Rana, Pandian reminisced about his longstanding association with the shrine. For the past 16 years, Pandian has made an annual pilgrimage to the shrine, a tradition that began during his tenure as the collector of Ganjam.

Permanent Lok Adalat cannot pass order on dispute pending before Ombudsman: Orissa HC

CUTTACK: A Permanent Lok Adalat is not competent to decide on a grievance over electricity bill issued to a consumer when the matter is pending before the Ombudsman, the Orissa High Court has ruled. The court gave the ruling recently while considering a petition challenging the direction issued by Permanent Lok Adalat (Ganjam) to restore power supply to a consumer without claiming reconnection charges and without directing payment of arrear dues against him. The Lok Adalat had issued the order on April 4, 2015. A single-judge bench of Justice SK Panigrahi quashed the Permanent Lok Adalats order after nine years. It is clear that the Permanent Lok Adalat ought not to have taken cognisance of the complaint when the purported case was already pending in the Ombudsman II; out of the framework of the Electricity Act, he observed. Initially, when the crusher unit owner was charged with Rs 1,59,195 towards transformer loss in addition to electricity bill for the month of May 2014 by Southco he filed a complaint before the Grievance Redressal Forum (Berhampur). But on being directed to pay the amount, he challenged the order of the forum before the Ombudsman No-II, Bhubaneswar till decision of the main case. Justice Panigrahi observed, The Permanent Lok Adalat is not competent to maintain an application under section 22 of Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 against the pendency of the grievance redressal in the Ombudsman II.

Telugu New Year festivities kick off in Berhampur city

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)

Odisha appoints new SPs for Berhampur, Khurda

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has appointed two new Superintendents of Police (SP) for Berhampur and Khurda, following instructions in this regard from the Election Commission. Sarthak Sarangi was appointed as Berhampur SP and Awinash Kumar became the new SP of Khurda, after the poll panel approved their names from a list of eligible Odisha cadre []

Three killed, 35 injured in separate mishaps in Odisha districts

BERHAMPUR/PHULBANI/BARIPADA: At least three persons were killed and 35 others sustained injuries in three separate mishaps in Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj and Ganjam districts on Monday. In Kandhamal, three youths died after their scooter rammed into a pole and fell off a culvert near Mandakia Budamaha within Raikia police limits. The deceased were identified as Basanta Panda (30) of Mujagada under Bhanjanagar police station, Kusal Digal (25) of Beredakia village and Brahmananda Bhoi (25) of Sugadabai village in Raikia area. The accident took place when the three were returning home after watching Danda Jatra in Paburia. While crossing a culvert, the rider lost control of the scooter and all of them fell around 20-30 ft down the road. Locals found the three lying in the pool of blood and informed police. Police and fire brigade personnel reached the spot and rushed them to Raikia community health centre, where doctors declared them brought dead. Police recovered the bodies and sent them for autopsy. The two-wheeler was also seized from the spot and further investigation is on. In the second mishap which took place in Mayurbhanjs Dwarsuni ghat, 20 people sustained injuries, three of them critical, when the bus they were travelling in hit a big stone lying on the side of NH-49 on Monday. The incident occurred when the passengers were on their way to Murshidabad in West Bengal from Angul district in the bus. On being informed, Bangiriposi police rushed to the spot and rescued the injured passengers. They were brought to Bangiriposi CHC for treatment. Three persons who sustained critical injuries were admitted to the CHC, the others were released after receiving first-aid. Police have registered a case and investigation is underway. 3 killed, 35 hurt in mishaps In the third accident in Ganjam district, as many as 15 passengers were injured after the private bus they were travelling in rammed into a roadside tree near G Nuagaon chowk under Belaguntha police station. The incident occurred when the bus was en route from Bhanjanagar to Belaguntha. All injured persons were admitted to the Bhanjanagar hospital. On being informed, police reached the spot and launched an investigation. The passengers alleged the driver of the bus was in inebriated state which led to the accident.

Lok Sabha polls | Odishas Berhampur to witness a battle between two turncoats

The fight for the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat will be mainly between Bhrugu Baxipatra of BJD and Pradeep Panigrahy of the BJP

Constable arrested with 58 kg ganja in Boudh

BERHAMPUR: In a joint operation conducted by excise, police, and transport department personnel, a District Voluntary Force (DVF) constable was apprehended with 58 kg of ganja in Boudh district. Acting on a tip-off, the team positioned themselves near Landibandh village and intercepted a car. Upon search, the contraband was discovered from the possession of DVF constable Dingar Majhi (38), who was driving the vehicle alone. The Boudh Excise department immediately registered a case in connection with the seizure and arrested Majhi, in addition to confiscating the vehicle. Majhi was presented before the court later in the evening. Confirming the incident, Southern Range IG JN Pankaj, stated that Majhi was apprehended during an operation by a joint team. Necessary action would be taken against the constable, Pankaj said. Recently, an assistant sub-inspector of Baghiapada police outpost was arrested for possessing a substantial quantity of cannabis in his official residence.

Pregnant woman found dead, husband detained in Odisha

BERHAMPUR: An eight-month pregnant woman was allegedly strangled to death by her husband at Tentuligada village within Tikabali police limits in Kandhamal district on Monday. Police identified the deceased as 19-year-old Reshma Kanhar. Her husband Iswar Nayak (36), has been detained by police. Reshmas father Gokul Kanhar of Gudrigaon village told police that his daughter fell in love with Iswar and they married last year. However, a couple of months after their marriage, Iswar allegedly started to torture Reshma for dowry. Meanwhile, Reshma got pregnant but the torture continued. Gokul claimed Iswar killed his daughter after he failed to meet his dowry demand. Neighbours said on Saturday, they heard the couple quarrelling over some issue. On Monday morning, Reshma was found dead in her house. Tikabali IIC Kalyanmayee Sendha said basing on the allegation of the deceaseds father and statements of villagers, Iswar has been detained for questioning. Reshmas body was sent to the district headquarters hospital, Phulbani for autopsy. The exact reason of the womans death can be ascertained after the postmortem report arrives, the IIC added.

IT depts QRTs check illegal cash movement in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: The Income Tax department has deployed quick response teams (QRTs) in all districts of Odisha and air intelligence units (AIUs) in airports of the state to check illegal movement of cash during elections. Sources said the department has appointed a nodal officer in each district, who is coordinating with GST, police and other departments concerned on a regular basis. Besides, the department has appointed a state-level nodal officer operating from Bhubaneswar. In case the department receives any information on movement of illegal cash, the QRTs will be engaged and reach the spot within 15 to 20 minutes. Air intelligence units have been deployed at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) here, Veer Surendra Sai (VSS) Airport in Jharsuguda and Rourkela, Utkela, Jeypore and Berhampur airports. The QRTs are coordinating with Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and the state police on a daily basis to check illegal movement of cash through airports. Sources said Income Tax department officials have asked banks to inform them of transactions worth over Rs 10 lakh as per Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines and they are receiving information regularly. A 24X7 control room has been set up in Bhubaneswar with toll free number 18003457790 and a WhatsApp number (9348904490) issued to receive complaints related to movement of illegal cash, said sources. The department has also launched an investigation into the seizure of Rs 55 lakh cash from a car in Sonepur district during a police checking last week.

Special vehicles, ramp for PwD voters this election in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: People with visual and locomotive disabilities, voters with impaired movement and senior citizens will be provided transport free of cost from their residence to polling booths across the state. As regular vehicles are largely inaccessible for differently-abled voters, district social security officers will place requisition for vehicles specially designed for persons with disabilities (PwDs) that are available with special schools and organisations, for the purpose. A decision in this regard was taken by the state-level steering committee on accessible elections recently. The department of Social Security for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) is collaborating with disability rights organisation, Swabhiman, to make the voting process accessible to all. With close to 5.16 lakh persons with disabilities (PwD) enrolled in the state as specially-abled voters, ramps will be set up at polling booths with required gradient, wheelchair assistance and volunteers to ensure a smooth voting experience for them. PwDs and senior citizens above 85 years of age will be given priority while entering the polling booths. They will be accompanied by accessibility supervisors and volunteers who would oversee their participation in the election. While every booth will have the required number of wheelchairs and ramp with a gradient of 1:12, the path to the entrance of the polling booth will be levelled for smooth movement of wheelchairs. Besides, inside the booths, tables with accessible height for voting by PwD electors will be provided. Similarly, polling personnel and district election officers will be sensitised on findings and suggestions made in the report on accessibility audit findings for PwDs during the 2019 general elections by Swabhiman. The organisation had evaluated 56 polling booths of 11 districts (Koraput, Nabarangpur, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Khurda, and Bargarh) for accessibility. It had found that most of them lacked ramps and the existing ones did not meet the accessibility standards. Besides many of the tables used for casting votes were not suitable for PwDs and transportation facilities were limited. In the past elections, lack of barrier-free measures had resulted in minimal participation of PwDs. A whopping 90 per cent of eligible PwD voters were stated to have skipped the general elections in 2009 and 2014. The situation had improved slightly in 2019. In 2014 general elections, braille ballot papers were available only in some booths in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Berhampur. Meanwhile, officials said the process to reach out to the specially-abled and elderly voters who want to opt for the voting from home (form 12D or postal ballot facility) option will start soon. While officials concerned will visit houses of such voters to collect the forms, they can also submit it through the SAKSHAM app. FOR BARRIER-FREE POLLS 5.16 lakh - PwD Voters in state 6.8 lakh - Elderly voters in state 39,999 - Wheelchairs arranged 300 - PwD managed booths Polling booths on ground floor meant for PwDs and elderly voters Political parties issued guidelines for respectful discourse towards PwDs

EC Appoints Sarthak Sarangi as Berhampur SP, Awinash Kunar as Khurda SP

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the upcoming General Elections 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) Monday announced fresh appointments for two IPS officers in Odisha. The ECI has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of Odisha in this regard. As per the announcement, 2007-batch IPS officer Sarthak Sarangi has been appointed as the Superintendent of [] The post EC Appoints Sarthak Sarangi as Berhampur SP, Awinash Kunar as Khurda SP appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Its rebel vs rebel in Odishas Berhampur as BJD, BJP gear up for prestige battle

Berhampur: Battle lines are drawn for the Lok Sabha elections in Odisha with the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announcing candidates for almost all the constituencies. While the BJP has fielded its candidates on all the 21 parliamentary seats in the state, the BJD has so far released []

Water crisis in Odisha's Ganjam district as Rushikulya river dries up

BERHAMPUR: The scorching temperature in Ganjam district has aggravated an already severe water scarcity, with rivers and reservoirs rapidly depleting. The Rushikulya river, often regarded as the lifeline of the district, is drying up at an alarming rate, posing grave challenges for both residents and farmers alike. As an agrarian district heavily reliant on rainfed cultivation, Ganjam faces a significant reduction in cultivable land due to scanty rainfall. The dwindling production of kharif paddy has left farmers grappling with concerns over planting rabi crops amidst the looming water crisis. The plight extends beyond agricultural concerns, as thousands of devotees struggled to partake in the Maha Baruni Snana ceremony on Saturday. Traditionally, residents of Aska, Purusottampur, Pratappur, and beyond converge to take a holy dip in the Rushikulya river on this auspicious occasion. However, the rivers depletion forced many to settle for shallow waters, while some resorted to digging pits in the riverbed to access water. Due to the dire situation, local farmers have been demanding immediate government intervention to revive the Rushikulya river. The Rushikulya Ryot Mahasabha (RRM) has urged the government to devise a comprehensive plan to ensure the rivers perennial flow, citing mismanagement and diversion of water as key factors contributing to its depletion. Secretary of RRM Simanchal Nahak spoke about various issues including the construction of dams, renovation of irrigation projects and encroachment, leading to the rivers current state. There is an urgent need for the establishment of the Rushikulya Development Authority (RDA) to oversee effective water management and conservation efforts, he urged. The significance of the Rushikulya river extends beyond agricultural irrigation, serving as a vital water source for urban centres like Berhampur, Chhatrapur, and Gopalpur, as well as supporting numerous industries and livelihoods in the region.

Political apostasy makes for an intriguing face-off in Odisha's Berhampur

BERHAMPUR: The Berhampur Lok Sabha seat is all set for an interesting fight between the BJD and BJP candidates Bhrugu Baxipatra and Pradeep Panigrahy, both of whom were in the opposite camps in 2019. While Baxipatra was the BJP candidate from the seat, Panigrahy had played a central organisational role ensuring BJD candidate Chandra Sekhar Sahus victory. Panigrahy was then one of the most trusted lieutenants of chief minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik. However, the political situation has completely changed in the constituency after the BJP roped in Panigrahy who was expelled from the BJD following his arrest on alleged corruption charges. After getting bail, he turned into one of the most vocal critic of the chief minister and other senior leaders of the party. Panigrahy, the sitting MLA from Gopalpur and three time MLA from the constituency, has considerable following in Gopalpur Assembly segment and other areas of the district. He was the go to man for the chief minister for resolving all political and other issues in his home district Ganjam. Though the BJD has left nothing to chance to retain the seat, the BJP has been further strengthened by Sidhant Mohapatra who joined the party this month and has been made its candidate for Digapahandi Assembly seat. The importance of Berhampur in the BJDs scheme of things can be gauged from the fact that the chief minister has reviewed the situation twice during the last seven days and has appointed Chandra Sekhar Sahu as the coordinator for the Lok Sabha seat. However, Congress which started with much enthusiasm to better its performance in this election seems to have lagged behind. Congress has fielded Rashmi Ranjan Patnaik, a new face who was earlier in Youth Congress. The Berhampur seat was traditionally a Congress stronghold, which was even represented by former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1996. Congress heavyweight Jayanti Patnaik was elected from the seat in 1998. The grand old party has won the seat nine times after the seat was came to existence in 1971 . Anadi Charan Sahu of BJP had won the seat in 1999 while BJD candidates have won it three consecutive times since 2009.

Odishas autonomous colleges lack autonomy!

BHUBANESWAR: None of the autonomous colleges in the state have valid autonomous status. Some of them are funtioning without valid autonomy for over a decade but continue to conduct examinations and issue certificates, in violation of the UGC (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023. Despite this, they are yet to apply to the UGC for renewal of autonomy. There are 29 autonomous colleges in the state including both government and non-government institutions. The colleges are affiliated to Berhampur, Fakir Mohan, North Odisha, Sambalpur, Utkal and Rama Devi Womens universities. Autonomous status of three government and as many non-government colleges expired in the 2022-23 academic session while the status of the remaining institutions expired between 2011-12 and 2021-22 sessions. In the last decade, as per a report of UGC, four colleges under Berhampur University, one each under Fakir Mohan and Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (MSCB University), six under Sambalpur University, and the highest 14 under Utkal university have lost their autonomous status and have not renewed it yet. Among the popular colleges in the list are SB Womens College, BJB College, government colleges of Angul, Rourkela, Dhenkanal, Kendrapara college, SVM college at Jagatsinghpur and Nayagarh College. The UGC grants autonomous status to a higher educational institution for a period of five years. The commission states that an autonomous college is required to abide by all the provisions of the UGC Regulations for Autonomous Colleges and non-compliance of the conditions prescribed shall attract action as per Clause-13 of the UGC Regulations, 2023. The college should apply to the UGC for extension of autonomous status at least three months before the completion of the autonomy period. However, that has not been the case with any of the autonomous colleges in the State for various factors. While some colleges have been lethargic in re-applying for autonomy, many others do not have a valid NAAC grade which is now necessary for getting autonomy, said Higher education department officials. Expiry of autonomous status deprives colleges of designing their own syllabus, restructuring and introducing courses, preparing their own admission rules and conducting their own exams. Most importantly, as an institution without a valid autonomy cannot conduct examinations, it is not eligible to provide certificates. The certificates issued during the period when the autonomous status has expired, are considered invalid, an official added. As per the revised autonomy norms of the UGC, the autonomous status of colleges that currently have NAAC A grades will be automatically renewed for a period of 10 years. Colleges not having A grade will have to score to get autonomous status back. Department officials informed that a few of the colleges have started work on renewing their autonomy status.

BJP Odisha Vice President Lekhasri Samantasinghar joins BJD

BJP Odisha Vice President Lekhasri Samantasinghar joins BJD Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and Odisha Assembly polls, former BJP vice-president Lekhasri Samantsinghar joined Biju Janata Dal (BJD) at the party office in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. The former BJP vice-president joined the party in the presence of BJD Rajya Sabha MP Manas Mangaraj and Sasmit Patra. Earlier on Thursday, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik announced the second list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha. BJD candidates for five Lok Sabha seats declared by the CM are Surendra Singh Bhoi from Balangir), Manjulata Mandal (Bhadrak), Parineeta Mishra (Bargarh), Bhrugu Baxipatra (Berhampur) and Dhanurjay Siddu (Keonjhar). The names of 27 candidates for simultaneous assembly polls have also been announced. The 27-member list released for the assembly elections included seven female candidates. They are Anusaya Patra (Badasahi), Preetinanda Kanungo (Morada), Alaka Mohanty (Brajrajnagar), Depali Das (Jharsuguda), Jayashree Kanhar (Phulbani), Suryamani Vaidya (Khalikote) and Majula Swain Aska. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) earlier announced its first list of 112 candidates for the assembly polls in Odisha. The BJP has fielded Jayanta Kumar Sarangi from Puri, Prakash Chandra Sethi from Cuttack Sadar, and Jagannath Pradhan from Bhubaneswar Central. Notably, in the 2019 Assembly polls, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) secured a significant victory with 112 seats, with Naveen Patnaik becoming CM for the fifth consecutive time since 2000. The Election Commission announced that the elections in Odisha will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections and will be completed in four phases, starting from Phase one on May 13, Phase two on May 20, Phase three on May 25 and the final phase on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4. (ANI)

BJD fields 2 octogenarian candidates for Odisha Assembly election

BJD fields 2 octogenarian candidates for Odisha Assembly election Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal has fielded two octogenarian candidates for the state Assembly elections which will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. The BJD has fielded over 80-year-old Ramesh Chandra Chyaupatnaik from the Berhampur assembly seat in Ganjam district, from where he was elected five times in a row till 2014. In the last election, he did not contest the election as the party denied ticket to him Chyaupatnaik is the oldest candidate of the BJD in the state so far after the ruling party declared his candidature. The BJD has so far announced candidates for 108 of the 147 assembly seats and 20 of the 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. The other octogenarian candidate is Badrinarayan Patra who has been re-nominated by the BJD to contest from the Ghasipura assembly segment in Keonjhar district. Chyauptnaik's date of birth is August 20, 1943, while that of Patra's is November 14, 1943. ''Age is just a number. Old age is not deterring me from doing work mentally and physically when the willpower is strong,'' said Chyaupatnaik, who is a doctor by profession. Chyaupatnaik, who is also the Ganjam district president of the BJD, claimed that he performed all the activities assigned by the party. Braving the sweltering summer heat, Chyaupatnaik with some of his supporters hit the campaign trail after his name was declared as the candidate of Berhampur. The veteran leader will fight against K Anil Kumar (52) of BJP. The Congress is yet to declare its candidate for the Berhampur seat. Other aged persons who will be contesting the election this time from Ganjam district include Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who at the age of 77 years is contesting for the sixth time from the Hinjili Assembly seat and Manjula Swain (70) from the Aska Assembly seat. In politics, there is no retirement age. One can do politics till he or she is strong mentally and physically. There were several instances that octogenarians were elected to the state assembly and Lok Sabha, said JK Mohapatra, former vice-chancellor, Berhampur University.

Odisha youth hacked to death while sleeping

BERHAMPUR: A 24-year-old youth was allegedly murdered in his house at Pandia village within Purushottampur police limits in Ganjam district on Friday night. The deceased was identified as Murali Badatya. The incident came to the fore when Muralis father who was sleeping on the verandah went inside the house to drink water and found his son lying in a pool of blood. He immediately rushed him to Hinjilicut sub-divisional hospital where the doctors declared him brought dead. On being informed, Purushottampur police reached the village to investigate into the matter. Preliminary investigation suggested Murali was attacked with sharp weapons while he was asleep. Though the exact reason behind the murder is yet to be ascertained, it is learnt that Murali had picked up a quarrel with a group of dancers during Danda performance in the village two days back. The killing might be the fallout of the quarrel, sources said. The murder has fuelled tension in the area and also assumed political colours in the election season. Political parties are trying to make it law and order issue for the upcoming polls.

BJP faced with candidate crisis in nine Odisha Assembly seats

BHUBANESWAR: Having announced candidates for 112 Assembly seats in the state, the BJP seems to be grappling with scarcity of candidates in nine of the 28 segments under four parliamentary constituencies which are set to go to polls in the first phase on May 13. With the exception of Kalahandi Lok Sabha seat where candidates have been nominated for all Assembly segments, the saffron party has named candidates for three segments each under Koraput and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies. Attributing the delay in selection of candidates to lack of credible faces in the two tribal-dominated parliamentary constituencies covering three districts where the ruling BJD is the dominant force, sources in BJP said the leadership is still doing the mathematics of permutation and combination to pick the right candidates. The problem with the party is that it has insignificant presence in the four parliamentary constituencies notwithstanding the fact that it had won the Kalahandi seat last time. There are many ticket aspirants but hardly any of them have the mettle to win, said a senior leader. The party had fielded Sisir Gamnago, the son of former chief minister Giridhar Gamango, from Gunupur. After he left the party along with his father to join BRS, the party nominated a former BJD MLA Trinath Gomanga. The party is yet to choose between Siba Sankar Ulaka and Jagannath Nundruka, a former BJD leader who recently joined BJP, for Bisam Cuttack under Korapur Lok Sabha seat. Ulaka has been tested twice by BJP. He contested the Koraput Lok Sabha seat in 2014 and lost miserably by coming third with just 89,788 votes. The party had given him a ticket for Bisam Cuttack in 2019. He came third again and the winning margin of the BJD candidate Jagannath Saraka was more than 40,000. The possibility of BJP nominating Nudruka appears high as he has served the district BJD in different capacities. A two-time sarpanch and samiti member, he served as the vice-president of Rayagada district unit of BJD and president of Koraput Central-Cooperative Bank and Special Development Council. Similar is the situation in Rayagada Assembly seat where the party is in a dilemma whether to repeat Basant Kumar Ulaka who came fourth in 2019. The seat was won by Makarand Muduli, who had contested as an Independent after being denied a ticket by Congress. He even defeated three-time BJD MLA and former minister Lal Bihari Himirika. The BJP is waiting for BJDs next move. It is in touch with both Muduli and Himirika, said a party leader in charge of Rayagada district. The party has little choice but to repeat Goutam Samantray in Jeypore seat where he had secured nearly 34,000 votes in 2019. After denial of Lok Sabha nomination, former MP from Nabarangpur Parsuram Majhi is stated to have declined the offer of the party to contest from Jharigram Assembly seat. The party is facing similar problems in Dabugaon, Kotpad and Chitrakonda seats under Nabarangpur parliamentary constituency. The party has also not named a candidate for Mohana Assembly segment under Berhampur Lok Sabha seat.

Four killed, 15 injured in two separate road accidents in Odisha

Berhampur/ Jajpur: At least four persons were killed and 15 others injured in two separate road accidents in Odisha, police said Saturday. Two members of a Danda nata (folk art) group were killed and 15 others injured when the pickup in which they were travelling overturned at Sompur square in Ganjam district Saturday morning, police []

Election brings a dilemma for seasonal migrant workers in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: For migrant labourers of Odisha, voting is both a celebration of democracy and a dilemma. Every election, those who head out of the southern districts are able to return home to exercise their franchise but their counterparts from western Odisha find it difficult to participate in the biggest festival of democracy. Odisha, despite being one of the states registering a high percentage of both traditional and seasonal labour migration, faces a huge challenge in ensuring voting by migrant workers. Political party candidates arrange for their return to their native land prior to polling but their efforts bear fruit in southern Odisha only. In western districts, the number of labourers who return is just 20 per cent of the total migrant population. As per the report, Migration in India based on Periodic Labour Force Survey 2020-21, released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, there are 8.51 lakh labourers who migrate for jobs from the state. There are 10 migration prone districts in the state - Bargarh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Rayagada. Labourers from these districts migrate to Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala for work. The Labour department mandates registration of all labourers at the source point following which they are issued movement slips to head to the destination states. But the number of migrant labourer registrations is miniscule compared to the migration that happens at the grassroots, sources in the Labour department acknowledge. In reply to a query in the Assembly in March last year, the then Labour minister Srikant Sahu had produced a report which stated that in 2022, 362 labour sardars were issued licences to take 26,700 registered labourers to other states for work. In 2021, as many as 271 labour agents were permitted to take 31,785 labourers and in 2020, 117 sardars were allowed to take 11,177 migrant labourers. This year 4,800 registered labourers have been taken to different states by 82 licensed sardars. While traditional migration from Ganjam and other southern Odisha districts take place round the year, September to June is when western Odisha witnesses seasonal migration as people head to brick kilns in neighbouring Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Traditional migrants from southern Odisha return home once a year but seasonal migrants of western districts cannot, before completion of 10 months (brick-making period before monsoon). The trend of migration in southern districts is entirely different from western districts. In southern Odisha, only male members of a family migrate while in western Odisha, migration is family-based as an entire unit is required to contribute towards making bricks, said Loknath Mishra, a migrant rights activist from Berhampur. In the election year, politicians and their supporters in Ganjam and other southern districts facilitate movement of the male members who are eligible voters. But this election, the pressure on political leaders for getting the workers back from other states is a lot less. Because, a majority of them have already returned owing to the wedding season and the ongoing Danda Nacha which sees participation of many migrant youths, Mishra said. With Berhampur, Koraput, Nabarangpur going to polls on May 13, supporters of candidates have already approached them to stay back, he added. However, in western Odisha, most of the labourers are likely to give voting a miss. Election in Kalahandi is on May 13 while in Bargarh, Sundargarh and Balangir, it is scheduled on May 20. Politicians in western Odisha are not interested in getting these seasonal labourers back as they cannot leave the worksite before June. In the past elections, some political workers had approached kiln owners to take back the workers for voting but the latter allowed just male members of the family to go and held back their elderly parents, wives and children, said activist Sushant Panigrahi. Director (migration and education) Aide et Action International, Umi Daniel estimates seasonal migration to be around 3 lakh every year. Migrant labourers from western Odisha districts do not have the money to travel for voting. Even if they do, they would need a longer holiday which their employer will not entertain. Government should think of the remote voting option for them which can allow them to exercise their franchise, he suggested.

Odisha govt transfers six IPS and two IAS officers on ECIs order

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha government on Friday transferred six IPS and two IAS officers in compliance with orders of Election Commission of India (ECI). IG-rank officer Ashish Kumar Singh was shifted and Sanjay Kumar Kaushal, a 2003 batch officer and IG Vigilance, posted as new Central Range IG in place of the former. Singh was posted as IG, CMs security. Kaushal has to join his new assignment immediately without availing joining time, read a notification issued by the Home department. DIG Special Intelligence Wing (SIW) Umashankar Dash was posted as Angul SP. He replaced 2012 batch officer Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra. Another officer Prakash R, who was DIG Vigilance, was transferred and posted as Cuttack DCP replacing Kanwar Vishal Singh. Similarly, Brijesh Kumar Rai, a 2009 batch officer and DIG Intelligence in-charge security wing, was transferred and posted as Rourkela SP in place of Mitrabhanu Mahapatra. Mishra, Singh and Mahapatra have been posted as Vigilance SP, DIG SIW and additional SRC respectively. Khurda SP Jugal Kishor Kumar Banoth was transferred and appointed as AIG, State Police Headquarters and Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M as Vigilance SP. On the day, the General Administration department issued a notification and appointed Arindam Dakua as new Cuttack collector and Anupam Saha as Jagatsinghpur collector. Dakua and Saha replaced Vineet Bhardwaj and Parul Patwari respectively. Dakua, 2011-batch officer, was serving as director-cum-additional secretary, Drinking Water and Sanitation with additional charge of State Mission Director, Odisha Livelihoods Mission. Saha of 2012 batch was posted as state project director, OSEPA with additional charge of member secretary, Mo School and labour commissioner. The ECI had ordered transfer of six IPS and two IAS officers and asked the chief secretary to provide a panel of three names for each posting. The transfers were ordered amid allegations by the BJP of unholy nexus between officials and the ruling BJD.

Odisha govt appoints new DMs of Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur

Odisha govt appoints new DMs of Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur The Odisha government has appointed two IAS officers as district magistrates of Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur after the Election Commission of India approved their posting, an official said. Arindam Dakua, a 2011-batch IAS officer was appointed as the new District Magistrate of Cuttack replacing Vineet Bharadwaj, while Anupam Saha, a 2012-batch IAS officer, replaced Parul Patwari as Jagatsingpur District Magistrate on Friday, the official said. On April 2, the Election Commission of India had ordered the Odisha government to transfer Bharadwaj and Patwari, along with six other IPS officers, to non-election-related posts with immediate effect. The 6 IPS officers who were transferred were: IGP (central range) Ashish Singh, Cuttack DCP Kanwar Vishal Singh, Rourkela SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra, Angul SP Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra, Khurda SP Jugal Kishore Banoth and Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek Kumar. The state government has appointed Sanjay Kumar Kaushal as the new IG (Central) range in place of Ashish Singh. DIG of Police, Vigilance, Prakash R has also been transferred and posted as Cuttack DCP replacing Kanwar Vishal Singh, while DIG of Police, Intelligence in-charge Security Wing, Brijesh Kumar Rai, has been appointed as Rourkela SP, replacing Mitrabhanu Mahapatra. DIG of Police, SIW, Umashankar Dash, has been asked to take charge from Angul SP Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra. A Home department notification said Ashish Singh will be the new IGP in Chief Minister's Security, while Mitrabhanu Mahapatra was appointed as Additional Special Relief Commissioner. Vishal Singh has been posted as the DIG, SIW (special intelligence wing), while Sidhansu Sekhar Mishra will be the new SP Vigilance and Jugal Kishore Kumar Banoth will be AIG of Police, headquarters. Saravana Vivek M was posted as SP vigilance. A General administration department notification said Vineet Bhardwaj will be Director-cum-Additional Secretary in Drinking Water and Sanitation department while Parul Patawari was appointed as the State Project Director, Odisha Education Programme Authority. Puri Jagannath Temple Additional Chief Administrator Samartha Verma, a 2011-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Works department while Subhankar Mohapatra, a 2018-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as Director in the Rural Development department.

Party hopping order of the day in Odisha politics

BHUBANESWAR: The election season invariably sets a political merry go round in motion across the states as well as nationally. But, Odisha, this time, is witnessing the phenomenon in its wildest shape ever. Ever since the alliance talks between the BJP and BJD broke down and both decided to go separate, the trend of desertions and joining has caught on like wildfire in both the parties. Party leaders, sitting and former MPs and legislators have switched sides like there is no tomorrow, thanks to the biggest consideration of getting a ticket for the elections. Interestingly, at least 30 per cent of the BJD candidates for the Lok Sabha seats are turncoats, who joined the party only recently. The party has announced candidates for 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha segments so far. The regional party, which has been in power in the state for last 26 years, has fielded party-hoppers in seven Lok Sabha constituencies - Bhubaneswar, Kendrapara, Berhampur, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Bargarh and Keonjhar. Turncoats have been nominated in five out of 108 Assembly segments for which tickets have been announced by BJD so far. BJDs candidate for Bargarh Lok Sabha segment Parineeta Mishra was the fastest to get a ticket. Wife of former BJP vice-president of Bargarh district Sushant Mishra, she was handed over the party ticket nearly two hours after the couple joined BJD. Similarly, BJP vice-president Bhrugu Baxipatra and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee member Manmath Routray were given tickets for Berhampur and Bhubaneswar respectively, the day they joined the party. Three-time Congress MLA Surendra Singh Bhoi, who joined BJD on March 29, is the partys candidate for Balangir Lok Sabha seat while Kendrapara Lok Sabha nominee Anshuman Mohanty is a former Congress MLA, who had joined BJD in February. In Nabarangpur, BJD has fielded former Congress MP Pradeep Majhi, who had switched to the party ahead of 2022 panchayat polls. BJD has denied ticket to Keonjhar MP Chandrani Murmu, who was the youngest MP in the 17th Lok Sabha and nominated former Congress MLA from Champua Dhanurjaya Sidu as its candidate. Sidu had contested 2009 Lok Sabha election on a Congress ticket and Assembly election from Telkoi from the party in 2014 and BJP ticket in 2019. Similarly, Rohit Tirkey and Adhiraj Panigrahi, who had left Congress to join BJD have been given tickets for Birmitrapur and Khariar Road Assembly constituencies. BJPs Cuttack district president Prakash Behera, chairman of Soro Municipality Madhab Dhada and Ramakanta Bhoi, who had contested on BJP ticket in 2014 and 2019 have been fielded by BJD in Barabati-Cuttack, Soro and Tirtol after they joined the party. However, BJPs biggest catch have been six-time BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, two-time MP Sidhant Mohapatra, Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy and Kendrapara MP Anubhav Mohanty. Of the 21 Lok Sabha seats, the party has given tickets to three turncoats, including Mahtab and Panigrahi. Malvika Keshari Deo, wife of former BJD MP from Kalahandi Arka Keshari Deo has been fielded from the seat. The couple had joined the saffron party in September last year. The party has nominated leaders, who have left BJD or Congress, in 10 out of 112 Assembly segments. Among the prominent political figures, actors Sidhant Mohapatra and Akash Das Nayak have been fielded in Digapahandi and Korei respectively, former minister Sanjeeb Kumar Sahoo in Athamallik, MLA Arabinda Dhali in Jaydev and former BJD MLAs Priyadarshi Mishra in Bhubaneswar-North, Purna Chandra Sethi in Khallikote, Trinath Gamang in Gunupur and Rajendra Das in Soro. Three other sitting BJD MLAs - Parshuram Dhada, Ramesh Chandra Sai and Premananda Nayak, who have resigned from the party, are awaiting next phase announcement. Expelled from BJD, Chilika MLA Prashant Jagdev is also yet to be accommodated. The significant surge in the phenomenon of party-hopping among political leaders has garnered attention due to its potential to reshape the political landscape of the state. The primary reasons for leaders switching parties is the denial of tickets by their current party and grievances against the leadership. Seasoned politician Mahtab said his decision to snap ties with BJD might be harsh but that gave him immense relief. I had been living with pain and feeling suffocated within the party. Moved by the enthusiasm of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the progress the country has achieved under his leadership, I joined BJP. This is my new innings with a new team, he said. Baxipatra said he is grateful to BJD and the president of the party CM Naveen Patnaik for having entrusted him with this responsibility of contesting from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat and for having trusted him to be his commander-in-chief for the constituency. He is hopeful that he win the seat for BJD. According to political observers, party hopping is seen as an opportunity to enhance careers or secure better prospects in terms of power, influence, or resources. Politicians these days are more careerist than principled or ideological, they said. Gone are the days when ideology and commitment were supreme for the politicians. Now the nature of the system and governance have changed. Popularity index and winnability are the only factors for parties to select candidates. They are open to leaders, who can deliver and vice versa, said political science professor Gyanaranjan Swain.

BJDs cup of woes spills over ticket distribution

BHUBANESWAR: Even as the political musical chair in Odisha has assumed breakneck speed in the run up to the polls, the ruling BJD on Thursday suffered yet another setback with sitting MLA from Athamallik Ramesh Chandra Sai and former deputy speaker Ram Chandra Panda leaving the regional outfit on Thursday. Sai, who had won with a margin of over 47,000 votes in the 2019 election from the constituency, was replaced by former Works secretary Nalini Kanta Pradhan. Pradhan had unsuccessfully contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Sambalpur. In his resignation letter to the chief minister and party president Naveen Patnaik, Sai said he served the party for the last five years and wants to quit on personal ground. Sai is the second sitting MLA after Parshuram Dhada of Soro who resigned from the party after announcement of second phase of candidates by the regional outfit. Pandas resignation came a day after former BJP vice-president Bhrugu Baxipatra was given ticket for the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat hours after he quit the saffron party and joined BJD. Panda targeted the BJD leadership over the issue and stated that it was very disturbing that Baxipatra was given a ticket in this manner. Panda had joined BJD in 2017 after resigning from BJP. The former deputy speaker alleged that the party had assured to field him from the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat, but it did not even consult him while inducting Baxipatra and nominating him from the seat. Anubhav divorces BJD, embraces BJP in Delhi In his resignation letter to the party supremo, Panda said he could not meet the chief minister even after trying for the last 15 days. Panda said he did not get any respect though he discharged all responsibilities given to him by the leadership. However, in the recent past he was being ignored from all organisational works in the party. He alleged that leaders who had come from the Congress have now taken the party in their control. Besides Panda, T Gopi, another senior BJD leader also quit the party expressing his dissatisfaction over distribution of tickets. Similarly, Asit Patnaik, son of five-time Bhadrak MLA Jugal Kishore Patnaik resigned from the primary membership of the BJD on Thursday, putting an end to his 15-year-old association with the party. Patnaik was seeking a ticket from the Bhadrak Assembly seat. I have even sacrificed my political aspirations for the interest and growth of BJD. In 2019 elections, the party ignored me and fielded a new face in Bhadrak Assembly seat. Though it was an act of injustice since my father was the sitting MLA of Bhadrak, I did not raise any voice of dissent, being a loyal worker of BJD, he wrote to the BJD president. Asit, who is the former chairman of Odisha Pisciculture Development Corporation Limited, stated he will continue to work for the people of Bhadrak. After resigning from Congress, Jugal Patnaik had won the 2009 and 2014 elections from Bhadrak on a BJD ticket. The party, however, had replaced him with Sanjib Kumar Mallick in 2019. The party has nominated former minister Prafulla Samal from the seat. Ticket aspirants have also strongly reacted to the declaration of nominees at Jagatsinghpur, Phulbani, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar and other Assembly seats. Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar, a senior corporator of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation announced on Thursday that he will enter the fray from Ekamra-Bhubaneswar seat as an Independent against senior minister Ashok Panda.

Leaders denied tickets for Odisha twin polls continue to quit parties

Bhubaneswar/Berhampur: As political parties of Odisha released lists of candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Odisha assembly polls, reports of resignation by leaders who fail to get tickets from the ruling BJD and opposition BJP are pouring in from different parts of the state. The state has witnessed resignation of at least 10 leaders []

Odisha govt declares holidays for its employees on voting days

Odisha govt declares holidays for its employees on voting days The Odisha government on Thursday announced localised public holidays in respective constituencies during the four-phased Lok Sabha and assembly polls. Elections in the state will be held on May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. ''The government of Odisha has been pleased to declare holiday for the employees of the state government offices and magisterial courts (executive) on May 13 (Monday), May 20 (Monday), May 25 (Saturday) and June1 (Saturday) for the offices located within the parliamentary constituencies and assembly segments coming within those parliamentary constituencies in order to enable the employees to exercise their franchise,'' read the notification. According to the election schedule, voting for 28 assembly segments and four MP segments Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Berhampur and Koraput will be held on May 13, while Bargarh, Sundergarh, Bolangir, Kandhamal and Aska MP constituencies along with 35 assembly seats coming under these LS seats will vote on May 20. In the third phase, slated for May 25, six parliamentary constituencies Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Puri, and Bhubaneswar - will go to polls. On the same day, polling will also be held for 42 assembly constituencies coming under these LS seats. In the final phase on June 1, the remaining six constituencies Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur - will vote along with 42 assembly segments.

BJD's LS nominees comprise 30% turncoats

The turncoats who have been nominated by Patnaik for the Lok Sabha elections are Surendra Singh Bhoi (Bolangir), Parineeta Mishra (Bargarh), Bhrugu Baxipatra (Berhampur), Manmath Routray (Bhubaneswar), Ansuman Mohanty (Kendrapara), Pradeep Majhi (Nabarangpur) and Dhanurjay Sidhu (Keonjhar).

Opportunity Strikes: 30% of BJD's LS candidates are turncoats

In a dramatic twist ahead of the Lok Sabha and assembly polls in Odisha, the political landscape is witnessing a game of musical chairs as leaders switch allegiances, with the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strategically nominating a staggering 30 per cent turncoats as candidates. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's party has pulled off a masterstroke by fielding at least seven former BJP or Congress leaders out of the 20 candidates announced for the 21 Lok Sabha seats. These political chameleons, now donning the BJD colors, include Surendra Singh Bhoi (Bolangir), Parineeta Mishra (Bargarh), Bhrugu Baxipatra (Berhampur), Manmath Routray (Bhubaneswar), Ansuman Mohanty (Kendrapara), Pradeep Majhi (Nabarangpur), and Dhanurjay Sidhu (Keonjhar). In a stunning move, Patnaik overlooked senior leaders vying for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat, instead opting for Manmath Routray, a commercial pilot and son of six-time Congress MLA Suresh Routray. Routray's induction into the BJD was swiftly followed by a party ticket, all within a matter of hours. The BJD's sitting MP from Berhampur, Chandrasekhar Sahu, found himself sidelined as the party elevated him to the post of vice-president and manifesto committee chairperson, making way for the newly-inducted Bhrgu Baxipatra. Baxipatra, a former BJP vice-president and party loyalist for 23 years, will now go head-to-head with Pradeep Panigrahy, a former close aide of Patnaik who was expelled from the BJD in November 2020. The story of Parineeta Mishra and her husband Sushat is equally intriguing. The couple resigned from the BJP on a Wednesday afternoon, joined the BJD, and by evening, Parineeta had secured Patnaik's nomination. In Balangir, the BJD has fielded Surendra Singh Bhoi, a three-time Congress MLA and former minister who joined the party on March 29 and secured a ticket just five days later. Similarly, ex-Congress MLA Anshuman Mohanty and former Congress MP Pradeep Majhi, who joined the BJD ahead of the 2022 panchayat polls, have been given tickets from Kendrapara and Nabarangpur, respectively. The BJP, not to be outdone, has also welcomed three former BJD leaders into its fold and fielded them as candidates: Bhatruhari Mahtab (Cuttack), Pradeep Panigrahy (Berhampur), and Malavika Keshari Deo (Kalahandi). Malavika Keshari Deo, wife of former MP Arka Keshari Deo and a member of the Kalahandi royal family, quit the BJD along with her husband after being denied tickets in 2019 and joined the BJP in 2023. As the election fever grips Odisha, the political chessboard is witnessing a flurry of moves, with leaders jumping ship and parties strategically placing their pawns. The outcome of this high-stakes game will be decided by the voters, who will have the final say in this enthralling political saga.

HEIs in Odisha to get cash awards for securing NAAC grades

BHUBANESWAR: Higher educational institutions (HEIs) will be given financial incentives for securing a NAAC grade from the new academic session. The Higher Education department has recently notified that a financial incentive program will be initiated to promote quality education in higher education institutions, both government and non-government aided colleges in the state. Under it, the institutions can earn rewards in terms of cash incentives based on their National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) score, starting from the 2024-25 academic session. As per the government decision, a college or university securing an A++ NAAC grade will receive Rs 15 lakh as incentive while those scoring A+ and A grades can earn Rs 10 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh respectively. Similarly, institutions which secure a B++ will get Rs 6 lakh and the ones with B+, B grades would be sanctioned Rs 5 lakh and Rs 4 lakh respectively. Institutions can use the financial aid to enhance learning experience, facilities, faculty development and student support services. A decision in this regard was taken last year by the departments commissioner-cum-secretary Aravind Agarwal as the institutions had been shying away from the assessment. The University Grants Commission (UGC) mandates NAAC grades for recognition under section 12B of the UGC Act and receiving Central grants. As per UGCs Odisha analysis report of accreditation, among 1,047 degree and 110 PG colleges in Odisha, NAAC has so far accredited a meagre 86 colleges (both autonomous and general). Among 20 public universities including technical ones, currently, only Berhampur, Fakir Mohan, Ravenshaw, Utkal, Sambalpur and National Law universities have valid accreditation. Grades of BPUT, Rama Devi and Shri Jagannath Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya have lapsed. The other universities are in different stages of applying for re-accreditation. Meanwhile, UGC will implement a new accreditation process from May this year. Under the new format, the institutions will have to implement activities that are supported by data and upload the same to the NAAC portal with documentary proof, said Odisha State Higher Education Council vice-chairperson Ashok Das. He added that there will be 10 criteria of evaluation now instead of the earlier seven, with focus on placements, salaries, SDG compliance and Net Zero. Besides, all HEIs will now submit their institution development plan. Under the new process, HEIs will be categorised as either accredited or not accredited. Odisha is among the few states that are incentivising NAAC grades.

Man hacks wife to death, chops body into pieces in Odisha

BERHAMPUR: A man allegedly hacked his wife to death with a sharp weapon and chopped her body into 20 pieces in Boudh town within Model police limits on Tuesday night. The gruesome murder took place at Brundaban village. Police identified the deceased as Ambruti Nag (31). Her husband and accused Sanatan Nag, aged around 35 years, is on the run after committing the crime. The couple lived in Tikira Sahi of Brundaban village. Locals said Sanatan, a daily wager, was a habitual drunkard and used to quarrel with his wife regularly. On occasions, he also physically assaulted Ambruti in an inebriated condition. On Tuesday night, the accused again returned home in an inebriated condition and picked up a fight with his wife. The heated exchange between the couple turned ugly when Sanatan picked up a sharp weapon and attacked Ambruti. The woman suffered deep cut injuries and bled to death. Finding his wife dead, the accused reportedly chopped her body into more than 20 pieces. Subsequently, he locked the front door of the house from inside and escaped through the back door. Sources said though neighbours heard the couple fighting in the night, they did not take the matter seriously as it was a regular affair. The gruesome murder came to light on Wednesday morning after villagers noticed blood stains in front of the house. Suspecting foul play, they informed the local police. Later in the day, a team from Boudh Model police station rushed to Brundaban village. The cops broke open the door and recovered Ambrutis chopped body parts. Police sent the womans mutilated body to the local hospital for postmortem. A case has been registered in this connection and efforts are underway to nab the accused who is on the run, said an official of Boudh Model police station.

Odisha: BJDs drop and repeat plan in 27 Assembly, 5 LS seats

BHUBANESWAR: Adopting a cautious strategy of drop and repeat, the BJD on Wednesday announced candidates for five more Lok Sabha and 27 Assembly constituencies. Nine sitting MLAs were dropped from the partys second list which was declared by Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik, while eight legislators have been renominated from their present constituencies. Manjulata Mandal who represented Bhadrak Lok Sabha seat is the only sitting MP to be renominated while the party fielded BJP leader Bhrugu Buxipatra from Berhampur parliamentary constituency hours after he resigned from the saffron party and joined the regional outfit. Outgoing MP and former union minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu was dropped. The change in Berhampur Lok Sabha candidate was under consideration of BJD leadership since Pradeep Panigrahy was pitched by BJP from the constituency. Buxipatras resignation had indicated his switching the camp to the ruling party. Appointment of Sahu as chairman of the manifesto committee as well as vice-president of the party soon after Buxipatras resignation from BJP only confirmed the speculations. The BJD fielded former minister Surendra Singh Bhoi, who resigned from Congress and joined the regional outfit last week, from Balangir parliamentary constituency. Former Balangir MP Kalikesh Singhdeo who unsuccessfully contested from the seat in 2019 has already been fielded from Balangir Assembly segment. The regional outfit fielded Parineeta Mishra from Bargarh Lok Sabha seat. Parineeta is wife of Susanta Mishra, vice-president of Bargarh district BJP Sukanta Mishra who recently resigned from the saffron party. Sources said Parineeta, a homemaker, has the support of Susanta Singh, sitting BJD MLA from Bhatli and a heavyweight from the region. The party dropped another sitting MP Chandrani Murmu from Keonjhar and fielded former BJP leader Dhanurjoy Sidhu from the constituency. A former Congress MLA from Champua, Sidhu had joined BJP after resigning from Congress. He joined BJD subsequently. The partys decision to drop nine sitting MLAs in the second list of 27 candidates triggered a mini resignation spree. Parshuram Dhada, sitting MLA from Soro, exited the party in protest and announced his decision to contest as an Independent after he was replaced by Madhab Dhada. Former MLA Debendra Kanhar also resigned as the party put its faith on zilla parishad member Jayshree Kanhar for Phulbani seat after dropping sitting legislator Angad Kanhar. Similarly, sitting MLA from Tirtol Bijay Shankar Das, who courted controversy over his relationship status, was dropped. He was replaced by Ramakant Bhoi, a new face. The party fielded Ankit Pratap Jena, son of former minister Pratap Jena from Mahanga Assembly seat. Jena senior has been in headlines over his alleged complicity in a double-murder case. At Moroda Assembly segment, BJD replaced sitting MLA Raj Kishore Das by fielding his wife Preetinanda Kanungo. While senior leader Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik was named from Berhampur Assembly seat, sitting MLA from Berhampur Bikram Panda had been shifted to Gopalpur in the first list released by the chief minister. Former Works secretary Nalini Kanta Pradhan, the ruling partys Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur in 2019, was moved to Athamallick where the sitting MLA Ram Chandra Sai was dropped. Several sitting MLAs including senior minister Ashok Panda, government chief whip Prasant Muduli and former minister Padmanabha Behera have been re-nominated from Ekamra-Bhubaneswar, Jagatsinghpur and Birmaharajpur seats respectively. The party has, however, held back announcement of candidates from several key Assembly seats including Bhubaneswar-Central, Rairakhol, Paradip, Balikuda-Erasama and Sambalpur.

Odisha BJP Vice-President Bhrugu Baxipatra quits party, likely to join BJD

Bhubaneswar: Odisha BJP Vice-President Bhrugu Baxipatra on Wednesday resigned from the party and is likely to join BJD, according to reports. Baxipatra's resignation came as a surprise with sources citing his dissatisfaction over the BJP's decision to field former BJD Minister and three-time MLA Pradeep Panigrahi for the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat. Panigrahi, who was expelled from the BJD and recently joined the BJP, was nominated by the party to contest the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat. In his resignation letter addressed to party President Manmohan Samal, Baxipatra expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the party for 23 years, stating that he had worked with dedication and sincerity for its growth in the state. However, he expressed a sense of being unneeded, prompting his decision to resign. Sources within the party suggest that Baxipatra, who unsuccessfully contested the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat in the 2019 election, was eager to run again but was overlooked in favour of Panigrahi. It is anticipated that Baxipatra will join the BJD with the possibility of the ruling party fielding him for the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat. Following Baxipatra's resignation, BJD leader Naveen Patnaik appointed the party's sitting MP from Berhampur, Chandra Sekhar Sahu, as Vice President and chairman of the BJD manifesto Committee. This decision has sparked speculation regarding Sahu's re-nomination for the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat. The BJD has already announced candidates for 15 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, with the remaining six, including Berhampur, yet to be declared.

YS Sharmila from Kadapa in Congress list of 17 nominees

NEW DELHI : The Congress on Tuesday announced a fresh list of 17 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The prominent names in the list include Andhra Pradesh PCC chief Y S Sharmila from Kadapa, Mohammad Jawed and Tariq Anwar from Bihars Kishanganj and Katihar respectively. So far, the party has announced 231 candidates for the seven-phase elections beginning April 19. The latest list has eight candidates for Odisha, five for Andhra Pradesh, three for Bihar and one for West Bengal. In Katihar, veteran leader Tariq is pitted against JD(U) candidate Dulalchand Goswami. Besides Anwar and Jawed, the party fielded MLA Ajeet Sharma from Bhagalpur. The Congress has until now announced three of the nine allocated seats as part of the seat-sharing agreement with the grand alliance in Bihar. As per the understanding, the RJD will contest 26 seats, the Congress nine and the Left parties five. Sharmila is pitted against her cousin and sitting YSRCP MP YS Avinash Reddy in Kadapa. The party also fielded former Union minister MM Pallam Raju from Andhra Pradeshs Kakinada. Besides Sharmila and Raju, the party has fielded Gidugu Rudra Raju fom Rajahmundry, JD Saleem from Bapatla (SC) and PG Ramapullaiah Yadav from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. I am contesting as a candidate from Kadapa. YSRs (YS Rajasekhar Reddy) daughter is contesting. This is not an easy decision for me as I know it will split my family, she told reporters in Idupulapaya in Kadapa district. The party named Munish Tamang as its candidate from West Bengals Darjeeling. The party has renominated its sitting MP from Koraput (ST) Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka. In Odisha, besides Ulaka, the party has fielded Sanjay Bhoi from Bargarh (ST), Janardan Dehury from Sundargarh (ST), Manoj Mishra from Bolangir, Draupadi Manjhi from Kalahandi, Bhujabal Majhi from Nabarangpur (ST), Amir Chand Nayak from Kandhamal, Rashmi Ranjan Patnaik from Berhampur. However, suspense over the high-profile seats of Amethi and Rae Bareli continues.

Congress Announces Names Of Candidates For 8 Lok Sabha, 49 Assembly Seats In Odisha

The Indian National Congress on Tuesday announced the first list of candidates for eight Lok Sabha and 49 assembly seats in Odisha. As per the notification, Sanjay Bhoi will contest from Bargarh while Janardhan Dehury from Sundargarh. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Sarat Pattanayak will contest from Nuapara assembly seats. Saptagiri Ulaka, the lone Congress Lok Sabha member from the state, has been renamed as the partys candidate from Koraput seat. He will fight against ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate Kaushalya Hikka and BJPs Keleram Majhi. Noted cine actor Manoj Mishra has been nominated to contest from Bolangir LS seat. He will lock horns with BJPs Sangeeta Singhdeo. The BJD has not announced its candidate yet. As per the list, former MLA Bhujabal Majhi will contest from Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seat while his daughter Lipika Majhi has been nominated as the partys candidate for Dabugaon assembly seat. Former Union railway minister Bhakta Charan Das and his son Sagar Das have made a cut into the list of assembly candidates. The father and son duo will contest from Narla and Bhawanipanta assembly constituencies, respectively. Here is the list of Congress candidates for Lok Sabha seats in Odisha: 1. Bargarh Sanjay Bhoi 2. Sundargarh Janardan Dehury 3. Bolangir- Manoj Mishra 4. Kalahandi Draupadi Majhi 5. Nabarangpur Bhujabal Majhi 6. Kandhamal- Amir Chand Nayak 7. Berhampur- Rashmi Ranjan Patnaik 8. Koraput- Saptagiri Ulaka The list of 49 candidates for Assembly seats as announced by Odisha Congress: 1. Padampur Tankadhar Sahu 2. Bijepur Kishor Dafadar 3. Bargarh Nipon Kumar Dash 4. Bhatli Brahma Mahakud 5. Brajarajnagar Kishore Chandra Patel 6. Talsara (ST) Prabodh Tirkey 7. Sundargarh (ST) Sudharani Raudia 8. Biramitrapur Left to JMM 9. Raghunathpali (SC) Gopal Das 10. Rourkela Birendra Nath Pattnaik 11. Rajgangpur (ST) Dr. CS Raazen Ekka 12. Bonai (ST) Left to CPI-M 13. Loisingha (SC) Om Prakash Kumbhar 14. Patnagarh Anil Meher 15. Bolangir Samarendra Mishra 16. Kantabanji Santosh Singh Saluja 17. Nuapada Sarat Pattanayak 18. Umarkote (ST) Sanraj Gond 19. Jharigam (ST) Harabati Gond 20. Nabarangpur (ST) Dilip Pradhan 21. Dabugam (ST) Dr. Lipika Majhi 22. Lanjigarh (ST) Balabhadra Majhi 23. Junagarh Tuleswar Naik 24. Dharmgarh Rasmirekha Rout 25. Bhawanipatna (SC) Sagar Charan Das 26. Narla Bhakta Charan Das 27. Baliguda (ST) Surada Pradhan 28. G. Udayagiri (ST) Prafulla Chandra Pradhan 29. Phulbani (ST) Prativa Kanhar 30. Kantamal Manoj Kumar Acharya 31. Boudh- Naba Kumar Mishra 32. Banjanagar- Prasanta Bisoyi 33. Polasara- Agasti Barada 34. Kabisuryanagar- Chiranjeevi Bisoyi 35. Surada- Harikrishna Rath 36. Sanakhemundi- Ramesh Chandra Jena 37. Chikiti- Ravindra Nath Dyan Samantaray 38. Mohana Dasarathi Gomango 39. Paralakhemundi- Bijay Patnaik 40 Gunupur- Satyajeet Samango 41. Bissam Cuttack- Nilamadhab Hikaka 42. Rayagada- Kadraka Allapaswamy 43. Laxmipur- Pabitra Saunta 44. Kotpad- Anama Dian 45. Jeypore- Tara Prasad Bahinipati 46. Koraput- Krushna Chandra Kuldeep 47. Pottangi- Ramchandra Kadam 48. Malkangiri- Mala Madhi 49. Chitrakonda- Mangu Khila

Former Korei MLA-Actor Akash Das Nayak joins BJP a day after quitting BJD

Bhubaneswar: Former Korei MLA and actor Akash Das Nayak on Sunday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a day after quitting the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Akash joined the BJP at the party headquarters in the presence of BJP Odisha Unit Chief Manmohan Samal and other leaders including former Berhampur MP-actor Sidhant Mohapatra and [] The post Former Korei MLA-Actor Akash Das Nayak joins BJP a day after quitting BJD appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Odisha: Former BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab to join BJP today, sources

Odisha: Former BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab to join BJP today, sources Former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who announced his resignation from the primary membership of the BJD earlier this week, will join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, sources said. According to the sources, Mahtab may contest the Lok Sabha polls from Cuttack. While announcing his resignation earlier, Mahtab, who has represented the Cuttack Lok Sabha constituency for six consecutive terms, stated, I have sent my resignation letter to BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at 4 pm today. The parliamentarian was awarded the 'Sansad Ratna' for four consecutive years from 2017 to 2020 for his outstanding performance in Parliament debates. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1998 from Cuttack. He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014. He retained the seat for BJD in 2019. In the recent past, several BJD leaders have quit the party for the BJP. Among those who resigned was a close relative of BJD organising secretary PP Das and popular Odia actor Arindam Roy who resigned last week and joined the BJP. Another BJD senior tribal leader and former minister Balabhadra Majhi alleged that he was neglected and sidelined for the last five years and joined Congress. Odisha has 21 parliamentary constituencies. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) got the maximum number of seats, followed by the BJP and the Congress. The BJD won 12 seats, the BJP finished a close second at 8 seats and the Congress bagged just a lone seat. The state has 147 Assembly constituencies. In the last assembly polls, which were held simultaneously with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJD swept the state, winning 113 seats. The BJP came a distant second at 23 seats, followed by the Congress with 9, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) with 1, and an independent candidate with another seat. Elections in Odisha span across four phases -- May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Nomination filing dates vary per phase, with the last phase having nominations until May 14 and withdrawals by May 17. Four Lok Sabha seats in the southern and western parts--Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Berhampur--and 28 assembly seats under these parliamentary segments will vote on May 13 during the fourth phase. In the subsequent phase on May 20, five Lok Sabha seats in western and interior pockets--Bargarh, Sundargarh, Balangir, Kandhamal and Aska--and 35 assembly constituencies will vote in Odisha. Six Lok Sabha seats each and 42 assembly seats falling under the areas will vote in the sixth and seventh phases on May 25 and June 1. The parliamentary segments from Odisha that will vote in the sixth phase include Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Puri and Bhubaneswar, mostly western, central and coastal regions, while Lok Sabha constituencies in northern and coastal pockets like Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur will vote in the seventh phase. (ANI)

BJD supporters happy as Odisha CM seeks re-election from home turf Hinjili

BJD supporters happy as Odisha CM seeks re-election from home turf Hinjili BJD supporters in Odisha's Ganjan district were overwhelmed by the party's decision to field Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik from his home turf Hinjili assembly seat for the sixth time in a row. During the day, the ruling party released the first list of 72 candidates for the ensuing state assembly polls and also announced 15 Lok Sabha nominees. We are very glad that he would contest from Hinjili once again in the state assembly elections,'' former BJD zilla parishad member Sameer Pradhan said. Ajaya Moharana, a supporter of BJD in Hinjili, said that Patnaik will win with a higher margin this time than the previous elections. His victory margin has continued to increase since 2000, except last time. Patnaik had been elected to the state assembly for the first time in 2000 from Hinjili with a winning margin of 29,826 votes. The margin had increased to 76,586 in the 2014 assembly elections, but the same dropped to 60,160 five years ago. In the last assembly election, the BJD president contested from Hinjili along with Bijepur, a western Odisha constituency, and won both seats. He, however, retained Hinjili. Not only Hinjili people, but the entire Ganjam district was happy, as he would seek re-election from his home turf,'' BJDs state women wing zonal president Mamata Bisoi said. His presence will ''boost the rank and file of the party across the Ganjam district, Berhampur MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu said. Neither the BJP nor the Congress announced their candidates for Hinjili assembly constituency. Assembly and Lok Sabha elections will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases between May 13 and June 1. Patnaik made his debut in the electoral battle in 1997 and won the by-election to the Aska Lok Sabha seat as a nominee of the erstwhile Janata Dal. The seat had fallen vacant following the death of his father Biju Patnaik.

Judges should not order accused to surrender their right to be politically active in return for bail: SC

The apex court clarified the point in a petition filed by a former Mayor of Berhampur Municipal Corporation

Courts can't stop people from engaging in political activities as condition of bail: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has overturned a bail condition set by the Orissa High Court, which prohibited a man from engaging in any political activities. The condition was imposed while granting bail to Siba Shankar Das, a former Mayor of Berhampur Municipal Corporation, in August 2022. Das challenged this condition, arguing that it violated his fundamental rights.

Berhampur Police seize huge quantity of liquor at Andhra-Odisha interstate border

Berhampur Police seize huge quantity of liquor at Andhra-Odisha interstate border Berhampur Police seized a huge quantity of liquor at the Andhra-Odisha interstate border on March 20, an official said. As preparations for the Lok Sabha and Assembly election processes have begun in both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, interstate border check gates have been activated along the Srikakulam district by Berhampur police from March 20. 24x7 vehicle checking is being conducted at the border check posts. On March 20, the Marine Police team under SI Athiti Nayak, during checking, found one pickup van coming suspiciously and while checking, 1053 litres of foreign liquor being transported illegally by the accused towards Andhra Pradesh were detected. Berhampur SSP Saravana Vivek M IPS said, For elections, the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border has been sealed. We have also installed inter-state border checkposts. During the checking, a car was seized with Indian-made foreign liquor worth Rs. 10 lakhs. In further investigation, more than 11,000 bottles and cans were recovered valued at Rs. 25 lakhs. One person has been arrested. Further based on the interrogation of the accused detained at Marine PS, more seizures were made from a locked house at Rameya Patna village under Golanthara PS by a team led by SDPO Sadar Subhrahshu Parida. Different forms of liquor, including whisky, brandy, Vodka and beer of different brands, are seized. The value of liquor seized from the pickup van is above 10 lakhs and the market value of liquor kept in a house would be approximately Rs. 25 lakhs in Odisha. But in Andhra Pradesh, its value would be double, he further added. (ANI)

LS Polls 2024: BJP to go solo in Odisha, no alliance with BJD

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday declared that it would go solo in Odisha in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, putting an end to the weeks of talks with the ruling BJD for a pre-poll alliance. A BJP team from Odisha had been camping in New Delhi, holding meetings with central leaders over potential seat sharing with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for the past four days. Elections to the Lok Sabha and the assembly in the state will be held in four phases on May 13, 20, 25, and June 1. Odisha Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik on Thursday had held discussions with his party leaders for selecting candidates for four Lok Sabha seats and their corresponding 28 assembly segments. Of these four parliamentary seats, Aska, Berhampur, and Kandhamal are now held by the BJD while the BJP won the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency five years ago. Patnaik had also held a meeting with BJD leaders on Wednesday to select candidates for the Koraput and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies and their corresponding assembly segments. The Congress won the Koraput Lok Sabha seat in 2019, while the BJD secured the Nabarangpur constituency. Both Koraput and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seats are reserved for tribal candidates. (With PTI inputs)

Ganjam Double Murder: 5 of A Family Get Life Imprisonment

Berhampur: Five members of one family were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of father and son by the Additional District & Sessions Judge in Patpur of Ganjam district. The accused Dhanu Swain and his four sons Bhagaban Swain, Saroj Swain, Amin Swain and Kartik Swain were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by [] The post Ganjam Double Murder: 5 of A Family Get Life Imprisonment appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Odisha: A Trip to the Mysterious and Mystic Island of Berhampura

Nestled deep between Chilika lagoon and Bay Bengal, there are no known human inhabitants in this island, except other living creatures, such as feral cows, said to have been abandoned 70 years ago.

Simultaneous polling for Lok Sabha, Assembly to be held in Odisha in four phases

Bhubaneswar, March 16 (IANS) Simultaneous elections to Odishas 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats will be held in four phases, from May 13 to June 1, the Election Commission of India announced on Saturday. Electors in four Lok Sabha constituencies of Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Berhampur, and 28 related Assembly constituencies, will exercise their []

Will PM Modi take the final call over BJD and BJP alliance?

BHUBANESWAR: The protracted deliberations by the BJP and BJD over pre-poll alliance showing no sign of reaching a common ground, the unending announcement of freebies by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has triggered speculations that negotiations may have slowed down. With no positive development emerging after several rounds of discussions by the state BJP leaders in the Delhi residence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for the second day, there are indications that bargaining over seats have got tougher. In the BJD camp, a stoic silence prevailed though Naveen had a meeting with the top leaders at Navin Niwas on the day. Sources maintained that the issue of alliance did crop up. But other issues related to the elections were also discussed at the meeting. However, with the BJP planning the grand NDA dinner on March 14 (Thursday), sources said, a clear picture may emerge on Wednesday. If there is a thaw, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may take a final call on the sharing of seats because it is his idea of presenting a grand alliance before the electorate to give shape to his grand vision of Viksit Bharat, said credible sources. Meanwhile, the chief minister making a series of announcements including enhancement of monthly remuneration of sarpanches and other elected representatives of PRIs indicated that the ruling party is ready to go alone if the alliance talks failed. Odisha: After Samal, Vijay Tomar feigns ignorance on alliance with BJD Rumours, lies bad in politics: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Sources aware of the seat-sharing talks told this paper that though a formula has been worked out the two parties have hardened their stand over some specific seats. Bhubaneswar and Keonjhar Lok Sabha seats are stated to have become the bone of contention between the two parties. The two sides have come to an agreement that BJP will contest from 13 Lok Sabha seats and BJD eight. The probable 13 seats for BJP include Bargarh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Bhubaneswar and Puri. The remaining eight Aska, Berhampur, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur and Kandhamal may go to BJD. The BJD has scaled down its demand for Puri Lok Sabha seat which is currently represented by four-time MP Pinaki Mishra. The regional party has made it a prestige issue for Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat despite the fact that sitting BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi is a strong contender for the constituency, the sources said. The regional party, sources added, is asking for Keonjhar LS seat and ready to spare Dhenkanal in lieu of it but the deal is not acceptable to the BJP.

Lok Sabha elections: TMC fields former cricketer Yousuf Pathan against WB Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Berhampur

TMC fielded Yusuf Pathan from Berhampur Lok Sabha consituency, a Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary stronghold.

Odisha CM Flags Off JBM ECOLIFE Electric AC Buses

Bhubaneswar/ Berhampur: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off JBM ECOLIFE Electric AC Buses today at a function in Berhampur. A total of 200 air-conditioned electric buses will operate in the cities of Berhampur, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. This flag-off marks the companys entry into the eastern region of the country. Currently, over 1500 JBM electric buses [] The post Odisha CM Flags Off JBM ECOLIFE Electric AC Buses appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

CM Naveen Launches Mo Bus Services In Sambalpur & Berhampur

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik today launched Mo Bus services in Sambalpur and Berhampur. It is worth noting that 15 buses have been provided in both the cities. This bus will operate between Sambalpur-Burla-Hirakud in Sambalpur city. Similarly, this bus will ply between MKCG Medical College-Engineering School-Railway Station-Berhampur University in Berhampur city. On this [] The post CM Naveen Launches Mo Bus Services In Sambalpur & Berhampur appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Women SHG members will now manage largest Water Treatment Plant of WATCO in South Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) signed an agreement on Thursday with a Berhampur-based Mission Shakti Women SHG City level Federation for the Operation and Maintenance of its Jagadalpur Water Treatment Plant (WTP). 30 selected members from the Agrata City Level Federation will now receive a 12-day technical training at Odisha Urban Academy, Bhubaneswar starting [] The post Women SHG members will now manage largest Water Treatment Plant of WATCO in South Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

TPSODL Bags Best CSR Project of the Year Award

Berhampur: In a notable recognition, TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has been conferred with the prestigious Best CSR Project of the Year award at the Indian Social Impact Awards. The company is awarded for its significant impact through the Livelihood Enhancement Program under Project SAKSHAM to support employability and employment. Under this initiative, the [] The post TPSODL Bags Best CSR Project of the Year Award appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Ganjam: Data Entry Operator Gets 1-Yr RI In Graft Case

Ganjam: A former Data Entry Operator in Ganjam district has been sentenced to 1 year of rigorous imprisonment in a graft case. The accused has been identified as Samir Kumar Pattanayak, Ex-Data Entry Operator (disengaged from service), O/o BEO, Jagannathprasad, Dist-Ganjam. Pattanayak was charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance in a case vide Spl. Judge, Vigilance, Berhampur [] The post Ganjam: Data Entry Operator Gets 1-Yr RI In Graft Case appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .