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

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

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

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

Heatwave scorches Odisha, Titilagarh at 45 degC

Bhubaneswar: Severe heatwave conditions scorched Odisha Sunday with the mercury shooting to 45 degrees Celsius in Titilagarh. According to a bulletin issued by the Met Department, 25 places in the state recorded temperatures of above 40 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature was 44.6 degrees Celsius in Boudh, while Nuapada recorded 44.4 degrees Celsius. Bolangir was []

12 from Northeast join Indian probable squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification round

GUWAHATI: A total of 12 players from the Northeast are in the 26-member preparation squad of the Indian football team for the 2026 FIFA world cup. Parthib Sundar Gogoi, hailing from Assam, has been named among 11 other footballers from the Northeast in the preliminary 26-player roster for the Indian football teams upcoming Bhubaneswar training [] The post 12 from Northeast join Indian probable squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification round appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

BJP releases manifesto for Odisha Assembly polls, promises 3.5 lakh jobs in 5 years

Bhubaneswar: The BJP Sunday released its manifesto for the Assembly elections in Odisha, promising 3.5 lakh jobs in five years, cash voucher of Rs 50,000 for women, returning the money people lost by investing in chit fund companies, and procurement of paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal. The manifesto, titled Modi Ka Guarantee for Odisha []

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

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

JP Nadda Releases Sankalp Patra-BJPs Election Manifesto for Odisha

Bhubaneswar:BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda Sunday released the partys manifesto titled Sankalp Patra, with the tagline Modi Ki Guarantee for the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha polls elections in Odisha. The manifesto includes promises for various categories of people, such as farmers, women, youths, and the poor. It aims to create jobs, improve infrastructure, [] The post JP Nadda Releases Sankalp Patra-BJPs Election Manifesto for Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Naveen Appoints Office Bearers of BJD Aaprabasi Sammukhya

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal Supremo Naveen Patnaik today appointed the various State office bearers of BJD Aaprabasi Sammukhya. According to a press release from the Party, Dr Amar Patnaik will be the Chief Advisor of the Aaprabasi Sammukhya with five advisors namely Dr Achyuta Samanta, Rajendra Dholkia, N Bhaskar Rao, Sujit Kumar and Bhupinder Singh. [] The post Naveen Appoints Office Bearers of BJD Aaprabasi Sammukhya appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

PM Modi changed culture of politics, now all parties talk about development: Nadda

Bhubaneswar: BJP president JP Nadda Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed the culture of politics in India forcing all parties to talk about development. Nadda was addressing a programme in Bhubaneswar where the BJPs manifesto for the Odisha Assembly elections was released. PM Modi has changed the culture of politics, as a result []

Odisha: Congress changes assembly candidates in 5 assembly seats

Bhubaneswar: Seeking to put up a good fight in 2024 Lok Sabha and assembly polls in Odisha, the Indian National Congress (INC) continues its experimentation in selecting candidates. The grand old party, which had earlier made two changes one in Lok Sabha the other in assembly lists on Sunday replaced five assembly nominees. The party fielded Debasis Nayak for the Bari assembly seat. Nayak had joined the party after quitting the BJD recently. The former minister and four-time MLA Debasis Nayak had earlier joined BJP after quitting the ruling BJD. In Jaleswar, the Congress has now given ticket to Sudarshan Das in place of Debi Prasanna Chand. The party fielded Akshaya Acharya from Nilagari and roped in Himanshu Chaulia in place of Bijayananda Chaulia from Athamalik. Uma Ballav Rath has now been roped in for Puri seat in place of Sujit Mohapatra. Similarly, Sudarshan Sahoo has been named as party candidate for Athagarh assembly seat in place of Maheboob Ahemad Khan. Earlier, the Congress had replaced Keonjhar Lok Sabha candidate Mohan Hembram with Binod Bihari Nayak. Similarly, it had changed assembly candidates in Talsara, Baliguda, Kabisuryangar, Kantamal, Jayadev and Digapahandi. On Saturday, Congress candidate for Puri Lok Sabha seat, Sucharita Mohaty had returned her ticket that the party did not provide her fund for campaigning, a charge which the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leader Ajaya Kumar denied as baseless. We had decided to replace the Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sucharita Mohan. In fact, we had written a letter to the AICC on May 2. Somehow, she came to know about it and made such a wrong statement. Party funds are provided once the campaigning is formally launched, said Ajaya Kumar.

Rajnath Singh To Visit Odisha On May 8, Amit Shah On May 12

Bhubaneswar: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Odisha on May 8. He will hold a public meeting in Rayagada. Similarly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will tour to Odisha again on May 12, BJPs State Election in-charge Vijayapal Singh Tomar informed. External Affair Minister S. Jaishankar is currently Odisha visit. He held [] The post Rajnath Singh To Visit Odisha On May 8, Amit Shah On May 12 appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

BJD seeks restriction on Chhattisgarh Governors visit to Odisha till end of polls

Bhubaneswar: Accusing Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan of violating the model code of conduct (MCC), the BJD Sunday urged the Election Commission to restrict his visit to Odisha till the completion of the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the eastern state. The Naveen Patnaik-led party alleged that Harichandan, who hails from Odisha, violated the []

Congress replaces candidates in five Odisha Assembly constituencies

BHUBANESWAR: The Congress on Sunday changed its candidates in five assembly constituencies in Odisha while naming Akshaya Acharya from the Nilgiri assembly seat. The party has nominated former minister and four-time MLA Debashish Nayak for the Bari assembly constituency replacing Arati Deo. Nayak had joined the Congress on Saturday after BJP denied him a ticket. Nayak had joined the BJP in February from the BJD. Nayak was elected to the state assembly from the Bari Assembly seat in 2000, 2004, 2009 and 2014 on BJD ticket. Congress spokesperson Sudarshan Das has been nominated for the Jaleswar Assembly constituency replacing Debi Prasanna Chand. For the Athamallik assembly segment, the party has fielded Himanshu Chaulia in place of Bijayananda Chaulia while Sujit Mahapatra has been replaced by Uma Ballav Rath for the Puri Assembly segment. Sudarshan Sahoo is the new Congress nominee for the Athagarh Assembly segment. The party had earlier nominated Maheboob Ahmad Khan for the seat. On Saturday, the party changed its Puri Lok Sabha constituency candidate Sucharita Mohanty after she returned the ticket due to alleged lack of funding from the party. The Congress has nominated Jay Narayan Patnaik for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency. With this list, the Congress party has announced candidates for 145 out of 147 Assembly segments in Odisha. The Congress has left one seat for JMM and another for CPI (M). The Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases from May 13 to June 1.

Odisha Elections 2024: Congress Changes Candidates In These Assembly Seats

Bhubaneswar: In the upcoming Odisha Elections, the Indian National Congress (INC) have changed candidates in the five assembly seats in Odisha on Sunday. The Congress fielded Debashis Nayak for the Bari assembly seat. Yesterday, Nayak had joined the Congress after quitting BJD party. Earlier, he had joined BJP after quitting BJD. The Congress has [] The post Odisha Elections 2024: Congress Changes Candidates In These Assembly Seats appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Modi, Nadda on two-day Odisha visit from Sunday

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

Lack of industry, unemployment major poll issues in Odishas Nabarangpur LS constituency

Bhubaneswar: Lack of industry, irrigation facilities and unemployment are the major issues in the tribal-dominated Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituency in southern Odisha which will go to the polls May 13. The Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituency comprises some parts of Nabarangpur district and also some areas of Koraput and Malkangiri district. The BJD has fielded Pradeep []

Man Attempts To Kill Wife After Failing In One-Sided Love With Her Elder Sister

Bhubaneswar: After failing in one-sided love with his wifes elder sister, a man attempted to remove the obstacle by trying to killing his wife in Bhubaneswar. The man hit the womans scooty with his pick-up van and dragged her for about 500 meters in Infocity area of the capital city. According to sources, the [] The post Man Attempts To Kill Wife After Failing In One-Sided Love With Her Elder Sister appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

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

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

Voting from home for first phase polls in Odisha begins

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

No heatwave in Odisha from next week

BHUBANESWAR: The unbearable heatwave across Odisha will likely subside Monday onwards providing much-needed relief to people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said maximum day temperature is likely to fall by 3 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius by next week. Thunderstorm and lightning accompanied with gusty surface wind speed reaching 40 km/h to 50 km/h are likely to prevail at one or two places in Khurda, Cuttack, Puri and 16 other districts on Monday. Light to moderate rainfall/thundershower activity may occur at a few places in coastal and interior districts during the period. The Met office said light to moderate rainfall and thundershower activity is expected to continue in parts of Odisha till May 10. On the day, sweltering condition prevailed in the state as 25 places recorded 40 degrees Celsius or more. Boudh and Nuapada were hottest at 44 degrees Celsius each. Twin city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 39.7 degrees Celsius and 39 degrees Celsius. The Met office said heatwave condition is likely to prevail in Angul, Boudh, Balangir and Nuapada districts on Sunday. There is a possibility of the capital city recording less than 40 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day on Sunday.

Migrant workers urge Odisha, Telangana govts to rescue them from brick kiln

BHUBANESWAR: A group of labourers from Balangir, who were allegedly assaulted at a brick kiln in Makthal village of Telangana, have appealed to the governments of Odisha and Telangana to rescue them. The migrant labourers belong to Sukuan village under Deogaon block of Balangir district. Sources said at least 26 labourers including seven children were brought to a PVC brick kiln in Makthal in October last year allegedly by labour sardar of Belpada block of Balangir, Biranchi Kumbhar, after payment of an advance of Rs 20,000 per person. On April 28 this year, when the labourers urged the brick kiln owner Ajay Chaudhury to let them return to their village as they had completed six months of work and made bricks worth the money paid to them as advance, the latter assaulted one of the workers, Tankadhar Kumuria. Subsequently, some of the workers reported the matter to local police. The next day, Chaudhury forced them to make a video stating they were fine and wanted to continue working. However, after this episode, the workers again sent a message to us stating that the owner continued to assault them, said a relative of one of the labourers, Angada Chinda. Chinda along with relatives of the labourers have written to Telangana Police and labour officials seeking their intervention in the case. They further alleged the brick kiln owner forced all the labourers and the children to work for 14 to 15 hours a day under inhuman conditions. Sources said none of the workers had registered themselves with Balangir police or labour officials before migrating to the neighbouring state for work.

Odisha: Debasis Nayak quits BJP, joins Congress

BHUBANESWAR: Nearly two months after resigning from the BJD and joining BJP, former minister and four-time MLA Debasis Nayak quit the saffron party and switched over to the Congress. Nayak joined Congress in the presence of Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar and former president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) NIranjan Patnaik. Addressing the joining ceremony, Kumar said an outsider has taken over BJD and making all attempts to sideline founder members of the party. The sole intension of 5T chairman VK Pandian is to merge BJD with BJP. This is the last election which the BJD will be contesting as an independent party, he said. Kumar said Nayaks entry in the Congress will strengthen the party in Jajpur district and the entire state. Nayak said he was happy to join Congress as he will now be part of the fight to establish democracy in the country and Odia Asmita in the state. The induction of Nayak to Congress has given rise to possibility of changing its candidate for Bari Assembly constituency and field him instead. Nayak had announced he will contest from Bari, through a social media post, after the BJP fielded Umesh Chandra Jena from the seat. People of Bari are my strength. Party is not paramount for me. I will contest the poll to serve them, he added. Nayak was hoping for a ticket after joining BJP on February 25, having won from Bari for four consecutive terms from 2000 to 2014 on BJD ticket. He had also served as officer-on-special duty during Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks stint as Union steel and mines minister.

CMs new poll pitch: Is Naveen good?

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

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

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

PM Modi To Visit Odisha Today, Security Tightened In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of elections in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Odisha today. He is scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar at 9.30 pm today. According to official reports, he will stay in Bhubaneswar today. For his arrival, security has been tightened in the temple city. Reportedly, tight security arrangements has [] The post PM Modi To Visit Odisha Today, Security Tightened In Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Modi to visit Odisha twice to bolster BJP campaign

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

Odisha needs a leader risen from grassroots: EAM

BHUBANESWAR: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said Odisha needs a government that will have energy and commitment to propel the economic growth by utilising its skilled manpower and abundant natural resources. Addressing a media conference here, Jaishankar said, The need of the hour is to have a government that will be a good partner of the Narendra Modi government and have energy and commitment. Making a strong pitch for a BJP government in the state, Jaishankar said, You need a less bureaucratic government and a corruption free atmosphere for ease of doing business. But here is a government that has failed to utilise the natural resources which many other developed states do not have. The manufacturing sector has not done well despite the state being rich in natural resources. He said the country has high expectations from Odisha because of its rich culture, talented manpower and bountiful natural resources. Given the talent and resources in the state, it requires a government that can stir international interest which is sadly missing. I had the good fortune during my young days to associate with many talents from the state. I admire the talent of the people from Odisha who are now working at international level. But I feel sorry for the current state of affairs of a state like Odisha which has great cultural heritage, he said. He cited the priority of the Modi government to promote Odisha in topmost international forums saying the prime minister had many choices but he preferred to showcase the Konark wheel in the G-20 meet last year. This just shows his great admiration for the rich art and culture of the state, the EAM said. Highlight the tremendous support the state government received during the last 10 years from the Centre, Jaishankar said some central schemes are not being implemented for political reasons while the state has not taken the desired benefits out of some other schemes like PM-Kisan. He urged people of the state to make the hands of Modi stronger by sending maximum MPs from the state to achieve the target of 400 plus seats. We want a BJP government in Odisha so that it gets an opportunity to work closely and effectively with Modi government in Delhi, he added. The EAM addressed a meeting of intellectuals before leaving for Cuttack for his election-related assignments. He will visit Samabalpur where he is scheduled meet party workers on Sunday.

India waiting for Canada info on arrests in Nijjar case: Jaishankar

BHUBANESWAR : A day after Canada police claimed to have arrested three Indian nationals over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India is waiting for details from Canadian government or the police on the development. In an interaction with the media during his two-day visit to state, Jaishankar said the three arrested persons were apparently Indians having some kind of gang background. But he was yet to get any details. We have never been given any proof by the Canada government. In fact, we have repeatedly told them if they have something, share with us. I am waiting for the Canada police to tell us more (about the persons they have arrested), he said and added that they must produce proof if they do not have any political agenda. Jaishankar said, One of our major concerns is that they (Canada) have allowed organised crime from their soil. They have given political legitimacy to Khalistani elements and underground gangsters for vote bank politics. We have been telling them if you give political legitimacy to such elements it will be a problem for you and us. But Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is doing vote bank politics to save his government, the minister said. Jaishankar said India has taken up issues on Khalistanis in Canada in great detail. The Canada government has a lot of knowledge about the Khalistanis living there but has chosen not to do anything. Even out extradition requests are pending with them for a long time, he said.

Ex-min Nayak joins Cong after BJP denies ticket

Virtual view of booths for first-time voters in Koraput

Denied ticket? Many turn Independent candidates

Pandian slams Union min in Gajapati

Pradhan seeks job data from Naveen

65,000 students to appear for OJEE from tomorrow

PM to address 2 rallies in state tomorrow

BJPs Nayagarh nominee owns watches worth 23.95L

Citing lack of party funds, Cong Puri MP candidate returns ticket

Seven candidates in four Lok Sabha seats are matriculates

Nominees turn to astrologers to correct fault in their stars

In Kalahandi, royal scion to battle against veteran & party worker

Museum hosts exhibition of celebrated painters

Police seize pirated textbooks

Former CS suffers from heatstroke

Many contestants with crores in assets but no vehicles

CM: Oppn spreading lies on lack of devpt

Another Cong candidate opts out of poll fray

BHUBANESWAR, May 4: Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency Sucharita Mohanty has declined to contest the elections and returned the party ticket alleging lack of funding from the party. Mohanty, daughter of former Congress MP Brajamohan Mohanty in a mail to AICC general secretary (organization) K C Venugopal on Friday claimed that her campaign in the Puri Lok Sabha constituency has been hit hard because the party has denied funding. She alleged that AICC Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar [] The post Another Cong candidate opts out of poll fray appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Canada incidents mostly due to their internal politics: Jaishankar

Bhubaneswar: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said what is happening in poll-bound Canada over the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar is mostly due to their internal politics and nothing to do with India. Jaishankar said this while replying to a question on why Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is criticizing India. While interacting with senior journalists during a visit here, he also said the country needs a strong and active Prime Minister like Narendra Modi in order to bring further reforms in various sectors to make a Viksit Bharat (developed India). India's image globally is now actually much much higher than it had been ever Canada is an exception. You see the different country heads are praising Bharat and its Prime Minister, the external affairs minister said. He said a section of pro-Khalistan people are using Canada's democracy, creating a lobby and have become a vote bank. The ruling party in Canada has no majority in Parliament and some parties depend on pro-Khalistan leaders, he said. We have convinced them several times not to give visa, legitimacy or political space to such people which is causing problems for them (Canada), for us and also for our relationship, Jaishankar said. But the Canadian government has not done anything, Jaishankar said, adding that India sought the extradition of 25 people, most of whom are pro-Khalistan, but they did not pay any heed. The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar. India has dismissed Trudeau's charges as absurd and motivated. Canada did not give any proof. They do not share any evidence with us in certain cases, police agencies also do not cooperate with us. It is their political compulsion in Canada to blame India. As election is coming in Canada, they indulge in vote bank politics, the external affairs minister said. He said the Indian Prime Minister is regarded highly by many country heads. Recently, the prime minister of a Pacific country touched the feet of Modi while the Australian PM calls Modi as Boss. Even (US) President Biden wanted to know the secret of Modi's popularity, Jaishankar said.

Bureaucrats running BJD, 'outsiders' in CMO trying to capture Odisha: BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan

BJD faces unprecedented public revolt under Naveen Patnaik as outsiders led by V K Pandian threaten Odia identity and state power. Dharmendra Pradhan warns of challenges in 2024 elections.

PM Modis 10 Years of Reign Has Laid a Strong Foundation for Viksit Bharat

Bhubaneswar: External affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Saturday said the past ten years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a phase of laying a strong foundation for making India a strong nation and the next five years will be dedicated to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat in the next 25 years which is now known as Amrit Kaal. In 2014, Narendra Modi sought five years for BJP to serve the nation. As Prime Minister he delivered on all fronts starting from salvaging the nation from an utter state of despair to hope and aspiration. People of all sections were taken up. Country made progress on all sectors and an economy boomed. People appreciated PM Modis performances and blessed him with another term in 2019. Now, after 10 years, peoples trust in him has doubled and they have reposed faith in his leadership to take the country on the path of progress to reach our goal of Viksit Bharat, he said during an interaction with editors of different newspapers and television channels. Speaking on the foreign policy of India, Jaishankar said India is playing the role of a peace-broker across the globe as the world leaders trust the country's leadership. Now, you see turmoil in different parts of the world. The Russia-Ukraine war, the tension in Gaza following the terrorist attack on Israel and the more recent Israel-Iran conflicts have created tensions in those regions, besides affecting the world order. However, during such critical times, whenever leaders of all these countries have looked to India to play its role to ease the tension, our country has obliged in the best possible manner, said the minister. Stating that Indias foreign policy was on the right track, Jaishankar said the country had succeeded in asserting itself in the global platform as one of the forward-looking countries. On the strained relationship with Canada, Jaishankar said, Our relationship with Canada and its Prime Minister is not the same as with other nations. You can see Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as an exception. Whats the reason? Some people who profess Khalistani ideology have made use of that democracy and formed a lobby and vote bank. Some parties in Canada, some parties in that country feel that if they maintain good relationships with these people, it will benefit. Its all about vote bank politics in Canada. Now, the matter is more serious because the Trudeau government lacks a majority in the parliament. The leaders of other political parties on whom Trudeau is dependent are pro-Khalistani. The minister said though India wrote to Canada for extradition of 25 Khalistani leaders, the latter did not take any action on that. To a query, Jaishankar said Odisha should have a BJP government to carry forward the development of the Narendra Modi government. I concur what Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that Odisha has not progressed much in the past two decades despite it having huge mineral resources. We need to have a young person with a sharp outlook to lead the state, he observed. Jaishankar is currently on a two-day trip to Odisha to interact with the intellectuals, journalists and BJP party workers.

If CM has age and health issues, he should give responsibility to one of Odishas citizens, rather than an employee: Pradhan

Pradhan emphasizes trust in PM Modi for India's growth. Criticizes Naveen Patnaik's governance failures and lack of democratic principles. Advocates for Odisha's development and restoration of Odia pride under BJP leadership, rejecting electoral alliances.

PM likely to lead roadshow in Bhubaneswar on May 10

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lead a roadshow in Bhubaneswar on May 10, party leader Aparajita Sarangi said on Saturday. In a post on X, Sarangi, the MP of Bhubaneswar, urged the people to extend a grand welcome to the prime minister. Also ReadModi doesnt think about country from broader view: Sharad Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

PM Modi likely to lead roadshow in Bhubaneswar May 10

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lead a roadshow in Bhubaneswar May 10, party leader Aparajita Sarangi said Saturday. In a post on X, Sarangi, the MP of Bhubaneswar, urged the people to extend a grand welcome to the Prime Minister. The roadshow will cover three assembly segments in the city Ekamra-Bhubaneswar, []

Odisha needs corruption-free government to utilise its vast resources: Jaishankar

Bhubaneswar: Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Saturday said Odisha needs a good governance, corruption-free government to properly utilise the states vast and rich resources. Despite huge and rich mineral resources, Odisha is lagging in many sectors of development, Jaishankar said while addressing a press conference here. The Union Minister arrived here Saturday on a []

BJD, BJP spar as polls draw closer

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the BJP candidate for Odishas Sambalpur constituency, Friday exuded confidence that his party will win all the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Addressing a press meet here, the Union Minister said, Last time, the BJP secured 38 per cent votes and our opponent got 42 per cent. The []

PM Modi to Embark on Bhubaneswar Roadshow on May 10

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

Canada incidents mostly their internal politics: Jaishankar

Bhubaneswar: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said what is happening in poll-bound Canada over the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar is mostly due to their internal politics and nothing to do with India. Jaishankar said this while replying to a question on why Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is criticizing India. 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 .

Original Headline: HIGHLIGHTS Revised Headline: Match Highlights: Key Moments and Plays

Original Headline: HIGHLIGHTS Revised Headline: Match Highlights: Key Moments and Plays Following are the top stories at 9 pm NATION ELN92 ELECTIONS-BJP-LD LOVELY ****Former Delhi Cong leaders, including Arvinder Singh Lovely, join BJP New Delhi: Former Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh Lovely joined the BJP on Saturday along with a few other leaders, including former MLAs Raj Kumar Chauhan, Neeraj Basoya and Naseeb Singh.**** ELN91 ELECTIONS-BH-LD MODI ****At Bihar rally, Modi targets Lalu on Godhra incident, oppn parties on quotas Darbhanga (Bihar): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday charged RJD president Lalu Prasad, the BJPs principal opponent in Bihar, with having tried to ''shield'' those guilty in two-decade-old Godhra train burning incident and put blame on kar sevaks.**** ELN73 ELECTIONS-JH-MODI-LD CORRUPTION **** All those who indulged in corruption will face legal action in next five years: PM Modi Sisai (Jharkhand): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces, and all those who indulged in corruption would face action under law in the next five years.**** DEL21 CBI-NUH GANGRAPE-SENTENCE ****Nuh gangrapes, double murder case: Four convicts sentenced to death by CBI court New Delhi: A special CBI court in Haryana's Panchkula awarded the death sentence to four convicts in the 2016 Nuh gangrapes and double murder case on Saturday, officials said.**** BOM7 MH-SITHARAMAN-ROHITH VEMULA ****Rahul Gandhi should apologise for `politicising' Rohith Vemula's suicide: Sitharaman Pune: Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should apologise for ''politicising'' the suicide of Rohith Vemula, the University of Hyderabad student who died in 2016, as police in a state ruled by his own party has now said that it was not a ''Dalit' issue''.**** DEL19 JK-LD FIRING ****Terrorists open fire on two security vehicles in J-K's Poonch, 5 soldiers injured Jammu: Five security personnel were injured after terrorists opened fire on two vehicles, including one belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF), in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Saturday, officials said.**** MDS17 KA-LD REVANNA ****Karnataka MLA Revanna taken into custody in kidnap case Bengaluru: Karnataka JD(S) MLA H D Revanna was taken into custody on Saturday by sleuths of the Special Investigation Team, minutes after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a kidnapping case, officials said.**** ELN97 ELECTIONS-BJP-RAHUL ****Cong believes in 'beta bachao, beta badhao': BJP on Rahul Gandhi's Rae Bareli nomination New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday took a swipe at the Congress over Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli, saying the opposition party seems to believe in ''beta bachao, beta badhao'' (save son, promote son).**** ELN57 ELECTIONS-OD-CONG-LD CANDIDATE ****Denied party funding, Congress Puri LS candidate Sucharita Mohanty returns ticket Bhubaneswar: Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency Sucharita Mohanty has declined to contest the elections and returned the party ticket alleging lack of funding from the party.**** BOM5 GJ-RADICAL-ARRESTED ****Gujarat cops arrest maulvi; unearth plan to kill Hindu leader, threaten TV channel editor, MLA Surat: A man was arrested in Surat in Gujarat on Saturday for allegedly planning to murder the leader of a Hindu organisation and threatening the chief editor of Sudarshan television channel as well BJP's Telangana MLA Raja Singh and the party's former spokesperson Nupur Sharma in connivance with his handlers from Pakistan and Nepal, a senior police official said.**** CAL8 MG-LYNCHING ****Two lynched in Meghalaya after teen alleges rape attempt Shillong: Two persons were lynched in Meghalaya's Eastern West Khasi Hills district for allegedly trying to rape an 18-year-old woman, police said on Saturday.**** MDS18 KL-CUSTODIAL DEATH-CBI-LD ARRESTS ****Tanur custodial death case: CBI arrests four Kerala policemen Malappuram/Kochi: The CBI on Saturday arrested four civil police officers accused of torturing to death a man arrested for alleged possession of synthetic drugs in August last year near Tanur here, police sources said.**** LEGAL LGD5 SCBA-WOMEN'S RESERVATION ****SCBA raises concern over SC order to reserve posts for women in lawyers' body executive committee New Delhi: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has passed a resolution stating that the Supreme Court's directive to reserve posts for women in the executive committee of the lawyers' body ''impinged'' on its independence.**** LGD4 SC-NITHARI-KOLI ****Nithari killings: SC agrees to hear plea of victim's father against acquittal of Surendra Koli New Delhi: The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging Allahabad High Court's order acquitting Surendra Koli in the 2006 Nithari serial killings case.**** FOREIGN FGN32 LANKA-JAPAN-LD MOUS ****Japan insists Sri Lanka should sign MoUs early for debt restructuring Colombo: The restoration of stability and economic development of Sri Lanka, located strategically in the Indian Ocean, is essential for the stability and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region, the visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said here on Saturday.**** FGN27 UK-MAYOR ****Sadiq Khan on course to be re-elected Mayor of London London: Sadiq Khan, the Pakistani-origin Labour Party candidate in the race to be re-elected London Mayor for a third term, looked set on Saturday to register a decisive victory, as the local election results from England and Wales continued to reflect a strong swing in favour of the Opposition party. By Aditi Khanna **** FGN23 PAK-ATC-WARRANTS ****Arrest warrants for 14 suspects in May 9 riots case, Imran Khans party leaders granted pre-arrest bail Lahore: A Pakistan court here has issued bailable arrest warrants for 14 suspects, who are on bail, for skipping trial proceedings of two cases related to the May 9 riots while granting pre-arrest bail to two former leaders of incarcerated former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khans party, a media report said on Saturday.****

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

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

Our GDP is at 7 pc, check others: EAM refutes US Presidents xenophobic remark

Bhubaneswar, May 4: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday refuted US President Joe Bidens xenophobia remark and argued that Indias economic growth is at 7 per cent which is higher than many other countries. Jaishankar reiterated that India is the most open, pluralistic and diverse society not xenophobic. We are the most open society, till date I have never seen such an open society, such a pluralistic society, such a diverse society, so I would say that we are [] The post Our GDP is at 7 pc, check others: EAM refutes US Presidents xenophobic remark appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Key Highlights: Unveiling the Notable Aspects

Key Highlights: Unveiling the Notable Aspects Following are the top stories from the Eastern Region at 5.10 pm. ELN 59 ELECTIONS-BH-MODI ****At Bihar rally, Modi rakes up Godhra train arson to accuse oppn of appeasement Darbhanga: Raking up the 2002 Godhra train arson, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday charged RJD president Lalu Prasad with having tried to save those responsible for burning alive more than 60 kar sevaks during the rule of Sonia madam.**** ELN 58 ELECTIONS-JH-LD MODI ****Shaken by surgical strikes, Pak leaders praying Cong shehzada becomes India's PM Palamu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted his governments surgical and air strikes had shaken Pakistan, and the neighbouring countrys leaders are now praying that the Congress shehzada becomes Indias PM.**** ELN 57 ELECTIONS-OD-CONG-LD CANDIDATE ****Denied party funding, Congress Puri LS candidate Sucharita Mohanty returns ticket Bhubaneswar: Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency Sucharita Mohanty has declined to contest the elections and returned the party ticket alleging lack of funding from the party.**** ELN 44 ELECTIONS-SANDESHKHALI-TMC-VIDEO ****Sandeshkhali incidents conspiracy by BJP to defame Bengal: TMC Kolkata: Amid the row over incidents in Sandeshkhali where allegations of sexual abuse against TMC leaders have surfaced, the party on Saturday released a video on social media, claiming that the episode was a ''conspiracy'' by the BJP to defame West Bengal ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.**** ELN 35 ELECTIONS-JH-MODI-CORRUPTION ****All those who indulged in corruption will face legal action in next five years: PM Modi Sisai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces, and all those who indulged in corruption would face action under law in the next five years.**** CAL 3 WB-GOVERNOR-POLICE-LD-PROBE ****Police constitute team to probe woman's complaint against Guv; to speak to witnesses Kolkata: Kolkata Police have constituted an inquiry team to probe a woman employee's allegation of sexual molestation by Governor C V Ananda Bose, a senior officer said on Saturday.****

Rainfall, Thundershower Likely In Some Parts Of Odisha In Next 7 Days

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department on Saturday informed that light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur across several districts of Odisha in the next 7 days. Heat Wave conditions prevailed at one or two places over the districts of MAYURBHANJ, KORAPUT, MALKANGIRI, GAJAPATI, BOUDH, JAGATSINGHPUR & GANJAM of Odisha. Dry weather prevailed over the [] The post Rainfall, Thundershower Likely In Some Parts Of Odisha In Next 7 Days appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Four Odisha Lok Sabha Seats Witness Contest of 17 Crorepatis

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

Mohammedean's David, Aizawl's Lalrinzuala Feature in 26-Member India Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Mohammedean's David, Aizawl's Lalrinzuala Feature in 26-Member India Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Four I-League players were among a 26-member probables list announced on Saturday by India coach Igor Stimac for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification round two matches against Kuwait and Qatar. Mizoram's 23-year-old forward David Lalhlansanga, who played a key role in Mohammedan Sporting's I-League triumph and securing a promotion to the top-tier ISL, has found his name in the forward lineup boasting the talismanic Sunil Chhetri. Aizawl FC's forward Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia was also included alongside Real Kashmir defender Muhammad Hammad and Inter Kashi midfielder Edmund Lalrindika. With Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC playing the ISL final, players of the two ISL heavyweights are expected to be named in the second list of probables to be announced ''in a few days'', the AIFF stated. India will begin training camp in Bhubaneswar on May 10. The Blue Tigers will take on Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 before travelling to face Qatar in Doha on June 11 in their last two matches of Group A. India are currently placed second in the group, with four points from as many matches. The top two teams in the group will qualify for round three of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and also book their berth at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. India probables: Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Defenders: Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Muhammad Hammad, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem. Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Imran Khan, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Mohammad Yasir, Nandhakumar Sekar, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan. Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Jithin Madathil Subran, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Parthib Gogoi, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri.

Oppositions are lying, says CM Naveen Patnaik while addressing public in Koraput

Bhubaneswar: BJD supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik kicked off political campaign for the party in Koraput on Saturday. He attended a public meeting at the OMP Ground in Koraput where thousands of people welcomed him. Naveen thanked the people for coming and attending the meeting in huge numbers despite the scorching heat. [] The post Oppositions are lying, says CM Naveen Patnaik while addressing public in Koraput appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Debasis Nayak Joins Congress In Odisha After Being Denied Ticket By BJP

Bhubaneswar: Former Bari MLA and Odisha BJP leader Debasis Nayak joined the Congress party after being denied ticket from BJP. The senior political leader joined the Indian National Congress in the presence of Odisha Congress in-charge Ajoy Kumar and other leaders including former OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik at a programme in Bhubaneswar. Nayak won from [] The post Debasis Nayak Joins Congress In Odisha After Being Denied Ticket By BJP appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Denied funding, Congs Puri candidate returns ticket

Bhubaneswar: Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency, Sucharita Mohanty, has returned her party ticket after being denied party funding to support her campaign in the election. In an email to AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, Mohanty stated that her campaign in Puri parliamentary constituency has been severely affected as the party in-charge for []

Igor Stimac announces first list of 26 probables for Bhubaneswar camp

The News Mill

Denied party funding, Congress Puri LS candidate Sucharita Mohanty returns ticket

Bhubaneswar: Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency Sucharita Mohanty has declined to contest the elections and returned the party ticket alleging lack of funding from the party. Mohanty, daughter of former Congress MP Brajamohan Mohanty in a mail to AICC general secretary (organization) KC Venugopal Friday claimed that her campaign in the Puri []

Congress Lok Sabha Candidate From Puri Sucharita Mohanty Returns Ticket

Bhubaneswar: In a shock to Congress, Lok Sabha candidate Sucharita Mohanty from Puri returned her party ticket after being denied fund for campaigning. Her campaign in the parliamentary constituency has been hit hard due to non-allotment of funds and this promoted her to take this decision, sources said. In a letter to AICC general [] The post Congress Lok Sabha Candidate From Puri Sucharita Mohanty Returns Ticket appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Denied funding, Congress' Puri LS seat candidate returns ticket, says state party chief asked to 'fend for self'

BHUBANESWAR: In a major setback to Congress ahead of polls, party's Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sucharita Mohanty has announced her withdrawal from the electoral race, returning her ticket for the parliamentary constituency, Mohanty attributed her decision to a lack of funds and what she perceives as nomination of weaker candidates in some seats across the seven Assembly segments. I have returned the ticket because the party was not able to fund me. Another reason is that in some of the seats in 7 Assembly segments, winnable candidates have not been given the ticket. Instead, some weak candidates got the ticket. I couldn't contest, she said. In a letter addressed to AICC general secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Mohanty expressed her greivance over the denial of funding from the party, stating that it severely hampered the Congress's campaign efforts in Puri. Despite launching a crowdfunding campaign and attempting to minimize campaign expenses, Mohanty failed to secure sufficient funds, leading her to seek support from the party's central leadership, which she claims was not forthcoming. #WATCH | Congress candidate from Puri parliamentary constituency Sucharita Mohanty says, I have returned the ticket because the party was not able to fund me. Another reason is that in some of the seats in 7 Assembly segments, winnable candidates have not been given the ticket. pic.twitter.com/xNpQslvDQy ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2024 I also tried to cut down the projected campaign spending to the minimum. Since I couldn't raise funds on my own, I knocked at your's and all other doors of our Party's Central Leadership, urging them to commit the necessary Party funds for an impactful campaign in Puri Parliament Seat. The AICC Odisha in-charge Dr Ajoy Kumar Ji, however, categorically asked me to fend for myself, she wrote and added that without Party funding, it won't be possible for her to carry out the campaign in Puri. It is clear that only fund crunch is holding us back from a winning campaign in Puri. I, therefore, return the INC ticket for the Puri Parliamentary Constituency herewith, Mohanty stated. Worth noting is that voting for the Puri Lok Sabha seat and its seven assembly segments is scheduled for May 25, with the nomination deadline set for May 6. BJD candidate Arup Patnaik and BJP nominee Sambit Patra have already submitted their nomination papers.

CM Naveens Marathon Campaign In Four Southern Districts From Today

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal Supremo Naveen Patnaik will go for a marathon campaign in four southern districts of the state today. As per the schedule, Naveen is set to visit Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada and Gajapati districts. He will seek votes for the partys Lok Sabha and Assembly candidates from these [] The post CM Naveens Marathon Campaign In Four Southern Districts From Today appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Woman Found Hanging Inside House In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A woman was found hanging inside her rented house in a basti under Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Her family members alleged that she might have been murdered. The post Woman Found Hanging Inside House In Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

EAM S Jaishankar Arrives In Bhubaneswar For 2-Day Odisha Visit

Bhubaneswar: The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived at Bhubaneswar airport for 2 day Odisha visit. Jaishankar will address a press conference in the evening. He will attend a party workers meeting in Cuttack the next day. He is scheduled to attend various programmes in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Sambalpur. The post EAM S Jaishankar Arrives In Bhubaneswar For 2-Day Odisha Visit appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

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

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

Mercury to drop by 3-4C in next 48 hrs

Bhubaneswar: In a welcome respite from the blistering heatwave conditions prevailing in the state, the weather bureau predicted a significant drop of up to 3-4 degrees Celsius in the next 48 hours. Weather scientists at the regional centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here told Orissa POST Friday that the sea wind from the []

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan conspired to stall Parikrama project: BJD

BHUBANESWAR: The BJD came down on Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for raking up Odia Asmita just before elections accusing him of trying his best to stall the Srimandir Parikrama project. Countering Pradhans attack on BJD shortly after his media conference, senior BJD leader and candidate for Satyabadi Assembly constituency Sanjay Das Burma said the union minister has no right to talk about Odia identity and pride as he did not accept the invitation to attend the inauguration of the Srimandir heritage corridor project. It is due to the untiring efforts of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that Odia received classical language status which is a matter of pride for all Odias. The Centre has contributed significantly to the development and growth of Sanskrit, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. Will Pradhan tell how much did the Central government sanction for Odia language, he asked. Pradhan has been a central minister holding important portfolios including education. Let him tell the people of the state about his contribution to education and development of Odia language in the state, Sanjay said. Describing former chief minister and veteran leader Biju Patnaik as the symbol of Odia Asmita, Sanjay said the formers contribution to the state and the country is unparalleled. There has been a demand for granting Bharat Ratna to Biju Babu for a long time. The BJP government at Centre never thought it fit to give him the highest civilian award of the country when leaders of other states were considered. The people of the state know well who stands on the way of selecting Biju Patnaik for the highest award. The BJD leader said BJP is trying to divert the attention of people from core issues like inflation, rising prices of essential commodities, ballooning unemployment and Centres negligence to Odisha by raising non-issues.

EAM Jaishankar to visit Odisha on May 4

BHUBANESWAR: With only 10 days left for Odishas first phase election to Lok Sabha and Assembly, the BJP has lined up its star campaigners to undertake an aggressive campaign in the state. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar is coming on a two-day visit to the state beginning Saturday. He is scheduled to meet editors of various media houses and later intellectuals on May 4 in Bhubaneswar. The next day he will interact with party workers in Cuttack, said state BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra. This will be the first visit of Jaishankar to Odisha. National president of BJP JP Nadda is also coming on May 5. He is scheduled to meet party leaders in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. This will be the second visit of Nadda within a week.

After five years, elephant census to be held in Odisha from May 22

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha government will conduct the elephant census in the state from May 22 to 24 after a gap of seven years. Official sources in the Forest and Environment department said the All Odisha Elephant Estimation 2024 will be taken up across 43 divisions using direct count method and process for the same has been set in motion. The last jumbo census in the state had been undertaken way back in 2017, in which Odisha had recorded a total head count of 1,976, a marginal rise from the previous census figure of 1,954 in 2015. The department could not take up the exercise thereafter for multiple reasons, including cyclone Fani in May, 2019 and subsequent outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. However, rampant poaching, including in protected areas of Similipal Tiger Reserve, however, triggered apprehensions on the protection measures for the elephants necessitating the head count exercise for preparation of a better conservation plan. The state has lost close to 700 elephants in the last eight years. The state forest minister had informed the Assembly last year that a total of 698 jumbos perished between 2015 and 2023. Poaching, poisoning, electrocution, road accidents and train collisions have remained the major cause of elephant deaths in the state for years. For the census, a total of 1,136 machans will be constructed and used in addition to barracks, watch towers and other such establishments of the department for use by the census teams. While requisite training at all levels will be completed by May 15, census units with kits will take positions on the field by May 21 and continue the counting exercise for the next three days till May 24. The collected data will then be analysed at range, division and circle level and finally at the headquarters for arriving at the final figure, forest officials said.

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

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

Shambhavi Puraskar for two grassroots leaders of Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: The 11th Shambhavi Puraskar was awarded to activist Ranjit Majhi for his exceptional work in implementing Forest Rights Act (FRA). Social worker Sasmita Mangaraj was felicitated with the jury commendation certification for her work to empower women at the grassroots to ensure livelihood and self-reliance. Instituted by Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF), the award and certificate were given away by chairperson of Maharashtra-based Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Foundation Chetna Sinha on Friday. Sinha said true change begins with a single act of courage and a small act of courage by silent heroes can become a capital for the poor. As we gather to honour the silent heroes of Odisha, let us remember that every small step towards social change creates ripples of hope and empowerment, she said. Apart from the award, Majhi received a cash reward of Rs 2,50,000 and Mangaraj Rs 50,000. Majhi has empowered forest-dwelling communities in 112 villages of Sundargarh district, helping them claim their rights over forest land and resources. He has also been working for conservation and regeneration of the forest ecosystem. Similarly, Mangaraj formed four SHG federations, 40 SHGs and engaged 400 beneficiaries in livelihood activities to help them gain financial independence. Trustee and founder CEO of BIPF, and chief of CSR (Special Initiatives), IMFA, Shaifalika Panda said it is the companys responsibility to be of service to the underserved and create a ripple effect of change towards social transformation. The Shambhavi Puraskar given to these grassroots leaders of Odisha will serve as a platform to further their vision and ambition toward collective growth, she said. Lt Gen CP Mohanty, the 42nd vice chief of Army Staff and member of Armed Forces Tribunal, Delhi, attended the event as guest of honour. The award was instituted in 2014 to encourage and inspire development by celebrating the achievements of silent pioneers who tirelessly work toward developing the community, a release from BIPF stated. Over the last decade, through Shambhavi Puraskar, BIPF has supported more than 20 changemakers.

Scientific probe led to conviction in two murders in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: At a time when forensic science is making rapid advancements, the city police utilised it wisely by leveraging scientific investigation methods to ensure two separate cases of murders ended in conviction. Owing to effective use of scientific evidence during the trial of one murder case each of Jatni and Chandrasekharpur police stations, life imprisonment was awarded to two persons, said a police officer. Jatni police had registered a case in June, 2021 and arrested one Sukanta Mallik for killing his wife inside their house. It was a tough challenge for the police as there were no eyewitnesses to the crime. Bhubaneswar DFSLs scientific officer Sushree Sabinaya along with her team visited the crime scene and detected blood on Malliks nails. The blood sample of Malliks wife were sent to State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) here for DNA profiling. DFSL officials had also found fingerprints on the knife used in the murder. The fingerprints on the blood-stained knife matched with the fingerprints of Mallik during examination by the Finger Print Bureau. DNA test and fingerprint reports matched and the court considered them as conclusive evidences. Similarly, the sensational double murder case registered by Chandrasekharpur police in April, 2022 ended in conviction due to scientific investigation methods. Bijaya Kumar Sethi had murdered his wife and her sister using a sharp weapon. The forensic team had collected crucial evidences such as blood samples of the two women by using saline extract method as their bodies were in advanced stages of decomposition. Investigators faced a few other challenges during collection of evidences as Sethis hands were clean when he was arrested. However, investigators used chemicals like benzidine and traces of blood were successfully extracted from the nails and hands of Sethi. The blood extracted from his finger nails and blood samples of the two women were sent to SFSL for DNA profiling and they matched. The capacity of Bhubaneswar DFSL will be upgraded in terms of human resources and modern equipment to provide quality forensic service for probe of vital cases, said ACP Sarat Kumar Sahu.

Tipsy doctors road rage leaves two injured in Bhubaneswar

BHUBANESWAR: Doctor of a premier private hospital, allegedly driving under influence of alcohol, caused a series of mishaps along Sainik School Road here on Friday. Police said at least two persons sustained injuries in the accidents. The doctor was reportedly on his way to the hospital when alcohol took the better of him. Initial investigation revealed he took a turn towards Sainik School Road and hit two persons on an electric scooter. Two vehicles coming from behind then hit the doctors car. Police sources said some liquor bottles and cigarette packets were found in his car. The locals caught hold of the doctor and handed him over to the police. Preliminary investigation suggests the doctor was driving the car in an inebriated state. The vehicle has been seized and a case registered. He has been detained and further action will be initiated accordingly, said an officer of Saheed Nagar police station. Sources said the doctors car was damaged in the accident and police will thoroughly search his vehicle. The two persons who sustained injuries are undergoing treatment at a private hospital here. Police said, the doctor was employed with Apollo Hospitals. Despite continuous checking against drunk driving, such offences are frequently taking place in the capital city. A police officer asserted that the enforcement against various traffic violations has reduced the number of road accidents in Bhubaneswar. Around 5,696 people lost their lives in Odisha due to road accidents in 2023. Khurda is among the districts in the state which witnessed a rise in road accident-related fatalities in the last two years. Around 332 and 385 people were killed in road accidents in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Orissa HC rejects bail pleas of three RTI activists for spreading fake news

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of the three Right to Information (RTI) activists accused of spreading fake news related to the deployment of police personnel for the protection of VK Pandian, the chairman of 5T and close aide of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The three RTI activists - Pradip Pradhan, Prakash Dash and Srikant Pakal had filed anticipatory bail applications after cases were registered against them for allegedly committing forgery by using forged documents to spread fake news at the Saheed Nagar police station in Bhubaneswar on April 2. The number of police personnel deployed around Pandian was unusually as high as 74, the trio had informed at a press conference in Bhubaneswar on March 30. The information was obtained by exercise of RTI Act, it was claimed. But the state police administration had immediately dismissed the claim stating that no such reply was supplied to any RTI applicant. While rejecting the anticipatory bail applications, the single judge bench of Justice Chittaranjan Dash acknowledged the weight of the allegations against the petitioners, which prima facie establishes the accusations of forgery and misrepresentation of information obtained through the RTI Act. In the above premises, grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioners would not serve the interests of justice, as there exists substantial material suggesting their involvement in grave misconduct under the alleged offences, Justice Dash observed. Justice Dash also said that the actions alleged not only violate the sanctity of the RTI Act but also erode public trust and reliance on the work conducted by RTI activists for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

CM chose non-Odia officer to lead BJD, says Dharmendra Pradhan

BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister and BJP candidate for Sambalpur parliamentary constituency Dharmendra Pradhan lashed out at Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik for choosing a non-Odia bureaucrat to lead the party. Addressing mediapersons here on Friday in the midst of a gruelling election campaign, Pradhan said BJP decided to make Odia Asmita a major poll plank to caution people of the state that unethical, undemocratic and unconstitutional attempts are being made to promote a bureaucrat-turned-politician from outside Odisha to be the power centre and decide the fate of people. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for setting Odia Asmita as the agenda for the 2024 elections and requesting people of the state to give BJP a chance as the BJD government has kept Odisha underdeveloped despite being abundant in natural resources, he added. Replying to a query on why Odia identity and Odia pride has suddenly come into play before the 2024 elections when such issues were not part of the poll agenda in 2009 and 2014, he said, the chief minister was then in full command of the state government and his party. He had not made an attempt for back door entry of a non-Odia bureaucrat to lead the state, Pradhan said. Without naming VK Pandian, Pradhan said the former bureaucrat has everything under his command to assault the rich cultural and religious heritage of the state. A coterie of non-Odia bureaucrats is running the BJD government. They had made an attempt to stop the Rath Yatra but their wish was not fulfilled due to stiff resistance from people. Centuries-old mutts and mandirs within the precinct of Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri and Lingaraj temple, Bhubaneswar were demolished in the name of heritage corridor projects. Who gave them the permission to tamper with the heritage of the state, asked Pradhan. He alleged a conspiracy has been hatched by the state government to stall the Paika rebellion memorial park project at the foothill of Barunei in Khurda district even after its foundation stone was laid by former President Ram Nath Kovind in 2019. The project was initiated in 2017 and union government had made a provision in its budget for it the same year. The Culture Ministry is ready to accept all conditions of the state government to extend financial assistance. Indian Oil Corporation had given `80 crore for the project which remains unutilised due to non-cooperation of the ruling party, Pradhan said. Asserting BJP will win all the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Pradhan said people love Modi and BJD has nothing to its credit. The state government has failed on all fronts be it drinking water supply, irrigation, unemployment, huge migration of labour force, falling standards of education and health services, etc. He said the prime minister will visit the state for campaign after May 6. He will campaign for the party in all four phases of the elections.

BJD seeks action against IFS officer for poll code violation

BHUBANESWAR: Senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra on Friday sought action against IFS officer Binay Srikant Pradhan for allegedly campaigning for Union Minister and BJPs Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency candidate Dharmendra Pradhan. This came a day after senior BJP leaders moved the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Mission Shakti secretary Sujata Karthikeyan accusing her of misusing authority. Addressing mediapersons, Patra said Binay, who is presently posted at the Indian consulate general in New York, has been actively involved in campaign of Pradhan. This is in clear violation of the model code of conduct (MCC) and the guidelines issued by ECI. He also violated the government service rules. The chief election commissioner, union cabinet secretary and secretary of External Affairs were informed about it on April 24. But no action has been taken yet, he said. Patra said, Binay was the officer on special duty (OSD) of the Union Minister from 2014 to 2019 when the latter was in-charge of Petroleum and Natural Gas ministry. He continues to keep both professional and personal relationship with the minister which violates different sections of Representation of the People Act, 1951, Patra said. The BJD leader alleged the IFS officer took leave for nearly a month and landed in Sambalpur. He is not only staying in the house where the BJP candidate is presently accommodated but is also looking after his campaign, he said. Demanding immediate verification of Binays phone calls and tracking of his movements, Patra said the ECI should enquire into his purpose of visit to Sambalpur, where he is staying and what he is doing. After a thorough investigation, the ECI must take appropriate action as per rules against the IFS officer to ensure free, fair and transparent elections, he added. The IFS officer could not be contacted for his comment.

BJD announces star campaigners list for last phases of LS polls

BHUBANESWAR: BJD on Friday announced its star campaigners for the last two rounds of elections in the state. Twelve Lok Sabha constituencies and 84 Assembly segments will go to polls during the two phases. While BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will spearhead the campaign, 5T chairman VK Pandian and the partys organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das are among the top three campaigners. The 40-member campaigners list included six ministers, eight former ministers and a host of MLAs. The party had announced a list of 40 star campaigners for the first two phases of elections. Pandian has been campaigning extensively for the party candidates in the fray for the first round of elections on May 13.

Odisha MLA Soumya finally makes up his mind, to contest from Ghasipura as Independent candidate

BHUBANESWAR: Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik on Friday said he will fight the Assembly election from Ghasipura as an Independent candidate. While many wondered why Soumya did not join BJP, he announced his next move after a public meeting in Ghasipura, one of the Assembly constituencies of Keonjhar district. I took the decision to contest from Ghasipura following requests from people of the constituency, Soumya said. He had hinted on April 30 of getting an offer from the BJP to contest from the seat. Soumya had previously shared with media that several people pressured him to contest the election. However, the BJP on Thursday nominated Shambhunath Rout from the seat. Senior BJP leader and three-time MP from Balasore Kharabela Swain also announced to contest from the parliamentary constituency as an Independent after his request for nomination from the seat was turned down by the party. Asserting he will win as the official candidate of BJP is quite unpopular in the constituency, Swain said he is confident that the party will take him under its fold after the elections. Earlier, Swain had suggested the party to field him from Balasore Lok Sabha seat and nominate sitting MP Pratap Sarangi from Nilagiri. The former MP took the decision to fight as an Independent after the BJP named Santosh Khatua from Nilagiri seat. Khatua contested the 2019 election from Nilagiri on a BJD ticket and came second after losing to Sukanta Nayak of BJP. Nayak quit the BJP to join BJD and got nomination from the regional party. Similarly, four-time Bari MLA and former minister Debasis Nayak who joined BJP recently with the hope to get nomination from the saffron party also announced to contest the upcoming Assembly polls from the constituency as an Independent candidate. Nayak announced his decision on social media after the BJP fielded Umesh Jena as its candidate for Bari. Former BJD MLA from Khandapada Anubhav Patnaik filed his nomination papers as Independent on Friday after the party denied him a ticket.

Odisha police step up enforcement for elections

BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to ensure free and peaceful polls, the city police has initiated 901 proceedings against 4,275 anti-socials under section 107 of CrPC . Of them, 2,179 have been bound down. Police have initiated proceedings against 171 habitual offenders under section 110 CrPC and about 126 have been bound down till date. Section 107 of CrPC authorises a magistrate to order an anti-social to agree to a bond which asks him to maintain peace for a prescribed period. Section 110 CrPC is security for good behaviour of habitual offenders. Police have enhanced enforcement to check transportation of illicit liquor, ganja and brown sugar, illegal cash, arms and ammunition, among other things. At least 580 kg ganja and 1,267 gm brown sugar have been seized and 61 peddlers arrested. Police have seized five illegal firearms along with 24 ammunition and arrested two persons. Holders of 953 licensed guns have deposited their weapons in police stations. Around 279 more guns are in the process of getting deposited. Police said out of 1,117 booths, 149 have been identified as critical. One company of CAPF and local police are conducting flag marches in critical areas to instill a sense of confidence among the voters. Steps will be taken to set up webcasting in all critical booths. Flying squads comprising magistrates, police and static surveillance teams (SST) have been deployed to check movement of cash, liquor, drugs and other illegal articles. The Commissionerate Police will further intensify blocking and checking, set up nakas at strategic places to detect illegal transportation of cash during election process, said a police officer.

Abhivyakti brings paintings of legendary artists to Bhubaneswar; show on till May 7

BHUBANESWAR: Be it MF Husains Ganesha, Sayed Haider Razas Bindu or Samarendra Nath Ghoshs Rabindranath Tagore he had drawn back in 1934, members of Odishas art fraternity as well as the general public can see works of some of the legends of Indian art at the state museum in the city. The paintings are being showcased as part of Abhivyakti: Vignettes of the Indian Art exhibition, inaugurated by chief secretary Pradeep Jena on April 28. At least 36 paintings, considered the best across the vast spectrum of modern Indian art - are part of the exhibition, organised by the museum in collaboration with city-based ArtistMindz. Carrom Boards, a painting done with oil on canvas in 1981 by veteran artist Bhupen Khakhar is a part of the exhibition. The painting, a blend of both Indian and European traditions, shows three men playing carrom under the yellow light of a bulb in the backdrop of an evening market crowd - a sight that an observer can often locate within his or her world. Khakhar was known for his artistic observations of everyday life. Similarly, an untitled work of FN Souza - another master of Indian art - is part of the exhibition. Souzas art works are often considered an eclectic blend of many styles including African tribal art, European modernism and Indian temple sculptures. Apart from Rabindranath Tagore, another work of Samarendra Homemakers of a Bengal Village is on display showcasing women engaged in household chores. His paintings are popular for evoking nostalgia of rural Bengal. Another untitled work on people heading to work in a rural landscape is by NS Bendre, who is celebrated for his contribution to modern Indian art. Bendra was known for his landscapes, portraitures and depictions of everyday life and experiences. Some of the other artists whose work are on display are Ganesh Haloi, Hemen Majumdar, Jamini Roy, Jaya Jena, Jogen Chowdhary, Nasreen Mohamedi, Ramananda Bandyopadhyay, Sailoz Mookherjea, and Sayed Haider Raza. Arun Kumar Bera of ArtistMindz said the exhibition is aimed at providing an opportunity to the common man to get a feel of some of the greatest Indian art pieces by celebrated artists. Many of the works are rare and have been auctioned for crores in different parts of the country and abroad, he added. Curated by art curator Jyoti A Kathpalia, the exhibition will continue till May 7.

Shalini named commissioner of Mission Shakti department