Vigil up in Berhampur, Koraput & Nabarangpur

Campaigning ends for first phase polls in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Campaigning for Odishas four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly seats, slated for polling May 13, came to an end on Saturday with a slew of prominent leaders from major political parties embarking on rapid-fire tours of constituencies in southern and western parts of the state. Polling is scheduled for Nabarangpur, Koraput, Kalahandi, and Berhampur []

Youth collapses while playing cricket; sunstroke suspected

Berhampur: In what is suspected to be a case of sunstroke, a young man collapsed and subsequently died while playing cricket here Friday. The incident occurred at the Khallikote College playground under Berhampur Town police station and the deceased has been identified as Sunil Kumar Nahak (31), son of late Manoj Nahak, of Ankuli Kumbharpalli []

Telangana Polls: Farmers' Issues Take Center Stage in Election Campaigns

HYDERABAD: With Rythu Bharosa (previously known as Rythu Bandhu), the financial assistance provided to farmers before the start of agriculture season, being remitted and Rabi season by and large passing off without much difficulty on power and irrigation fronts, the Congress has been pinning hopes heavily on the largest voting community of farmers and farm labour. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy prioritised the release of Rythu Bharosa initially to small and marginal farmers and recently farmers with more than five acres also received the financial assistance. The Congress is in upbeat mood with the feedback that the farmers were happy over input subsidies for equipment like tractors, drip irrigation and seeds and pesticides that were in vogue earlier are brought back again. This, they say, will benefit the large number of small and marginal farmers who form the bulk of the farming community. They however insist that the Chief Minister as promised earlier should ensure that the assistance is given only to the needy and real farmers who are into cultivation. Payment should not be done to barren lands and hillocks as had happened earlier and some even suggest an upper limit to the acreage for paying the input dole. K. Pratap (67), a farmer from Berhampur village of Talamadugu mandal of Adilabad district, bats for limiting Rythu Bandhu to 10 acres. He said the government should give its share of a four percent interest subsidy on farm loans as per NABARD scheme. I am hopeful the present government will honour the August 15 deadline for `2 lakh loan waiver. The input subsidy on farm necessities should be restarted again. People are saving electricity to limit their consumption to the 200 units that they can avail for free now. On renewing the subsidy facilities on inputs, M. Shekhar, a farmer with three acres from Arutla village of Ranga Reddy district, says, It will benefit small farmers like me if subsidy is given for tomato boxes, mango plants which were being given earlier. My paddy crop dried up. I will grow tomatoes now. Subsidies for drip irrigation equipment will benefit. As a MGNREGS worker himself, he feels that the government has to time the work not to affect the paddy sowing or cutting season. He opines the scheme supplements his income during the summer season. The free bus facility for women is a welcome step and is helpful. I had received BC Bandhu earlier and hence voted for the previous government. I am hoping to get an Indiramma house sanctioned now and will vote accordingly in the parliament polls. His fellow villager K. Shekhar Reddy, while largely agreeing with him, does not hope the present state government will increase the Rythu Bandhu amount to the promised Rs 7,500 per acre. He is also not hopeful of the launch of crop insurance schemes and counts the Central governments Ayushman Bharat and Fasal Bima Yojana as good schemes and would influence his voting choice in the Lok Sabha elections. BJP gained some brownie points following the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up the turmeric board in the State before the 2023 assembly polls. Crediting the Centres decision to set up the Turmeric Board for getting higher prices for the crop, T. Rajeshwar (57) from Donkal village of Morthad mandal of Nizamabad district, said, We did not get proper price for the past 10 years and had fetched only Rs 6,000 to 7,000 per quintal. But this year, we got more than `13,000 to `15,000. This situation will favour the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. The 10 years of the BRS government was corruption-ridden. As one of the 180 farmers, who had filed nominations during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, seeking the board, he said, I feel politicians agree to peoples demands depending on their reading of the situation. As a farmer with eight acres of land, I got Rythu Bandhu on Wednesday. G. Ravinder Reddy, a farmer from Choppadandi mandal of Karimnagar district, opines power situation is not a problem now as all the crops have been cut. The farmer whose land is irrigated by water from the SRSP (Sriram Sagar Project) feels loan waiver is something that the farmers are looking forward to. Whether the incumbent government would waive the pending loan accrued from the previous regime or not has to be seen. I have rescheduled my Rs 2 lakh loan. Batting for keeping the MSP in line with their increased input costs, V. Ramakrishna, a farmer from Sirisedu village in Ellanthakunta village of Karimnagar district, opined that their farm produce prices have not kept pace with the costs. The present government, he feels, has started well by giving 30,000 jobs to youth. It is children of farmers like me who come and struggle in the hostels in Hyderabad hoping for new job notifications. Many farmers are struggling to help their wards in the process.

BJP makes an audacious attempt to penetrate BJDs fortress in the first phase of polling in Odisha

Odisha CMs former aide now the BJP candidate in Berhampur while the BJD nominee recently switched loyalties from the BJP; polling for four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly seats, most in southern Odisha, on May 13

Dont vote for criminals, says Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR/BERHAMPUR: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis second visit to Odisha on Friday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a marathon campaign for party candidates in Ganjam and Kandhamal districts and called upon people not to vote for criminals. Stating the Opposition political parties have fielded corrupt persons, the chief minister urged the people not to extend support to such candidates in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Vote for good candidates and not a thief, he said while asserting criminals should not be elected. He was targeting BJP candidate from Berhampur Pradeep Panigrahy. Panigrahy, the sitting MLA from Gopalpur was elected on a BJD ticket in 2019. He was expelled from the party after he was arrested in a job scam case and other irregularities. The BJD has fielded Bikram Panda, the Berhampur MLA, from the seat. Coming down heavily on Opposition political parties at Aska, the chief minister urged the people to bless for BJD candidates to accelerate the pace of development in the state. He also highlighted successful implementation of various welfare schemes by the state government for the benefit of people. The chief minister addressed election meetings at Gopalpur, Aska and Phulbani accompanied by 5T chairman and BJDs lead campaigner VK Pandian. The chief minister urged the people at Kanisi in Gopalpur segment not to vote for unscrupulous persons. The chief minister also addressed a massive gathering at Kandhamal and alleged that leaders of the Opposition political parties are shedding crocodile tears for the people. They are telling lies and you should not vote for them, he said and urged them to bless BJD candidates. Vote for Jodi Sankha - one for MP and another for MLA candidate, he added. He asked the people whether the welfare schemes launched by the state government including the BSKY, Mission Shakti, Mamata, LAccMI bus service and transformation of schools are good. People gathered at the meeting gave assent with a loud yes.

Odisha: TPSODL meets highest-ever peak demand of 760 MW

BERHAMPUR: Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has once again demonstrated its commitment to providing reliable power supply to the region by successfully meeting a peak summer demand of 760 MW on May 5, 2024. This marks a significant increase from last years peak demand of 668 MW recorded in April 2023, a 13.77 per cent rise in demand. Berhampur city, a key area served by TPSODL, also experienced a substantial surge in peak demand, reaching 171 MW on the same day compared to the previous years peak demand of 138 MW recorded on April 17, 2023, a rapid surge of 23.91 per cent. With temperature exceeding 43 degrees celsius underscores the critical importance of a robust and reliable power infrastructure to meet the needs of the 22 lakh consumers during such challenging conditions. At TPSODL, we are committed to meeting the evolving energy needs of our region, especially during peak demand periods like the summer months, said TPSODL CEO Amit Kumar Garg. As TPSODL continues to uphold its commitment to providing reliable power supply to the region, it remains dedicated to exploring innovative solutions and investing in technology to meet the growing energy demands of southern Odisha, Garg added.

BJD promises free power to consumers up to 100 units

BHUBANESWAR: In a move to woo voters ahead of the elections, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday promised free power for consumers using up to 100 units of electricity and 50 per cent subsidy for those consuming between 100 to 150 units. Announcing the Peoples Manifesto of the BJD here, the chief minister said that around 75 per cent of families of the state consume less than 100 units of electricity and another 10 to 15 per cent use 100 to 150 units. The decision will ensure energy security of 85 to 90 per cent of the families in the state, he said, adding this will encourage responsible use of electricity among the people. The manifesto has sops covering all sections of people including women, youth, SC, ST and OBC. Stating that Odisha will be converted to number one state of the country by 2034, two years before the centenary of its creation as a separate state, the chief minister said youths have a major role to play in writing the new growth story of Odisha. Naveen announced a separate budget of Rs 1 lakh crore for the youth in next 10 years. He said Rs 1,000 crore will be spent from this budget as per the advice of the youths. Such an initiative will be a first-of-its-kind through which youths can create their own identity, he said. Annual scholarships for girls and boys under the Nua-O scholarship will also be increased to Rs 14,000 and Rs 12,000 respectively. Keeping in view the fact that the growing unemployment among the youths has emerged as one major source of worry, the chief minister announced creation of two lakh jobs during the next five years. Besides, loan for self-employment will also be increased from the existing Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. The manifesto also announced several sops for women, who form a significant support base of the party. The manifesto promised interest-free loan of Rs 15 lakh for women. The SHGs will have financial linkage of Rs 1.5 lakh crore by which they will be returned interest of Rs 2,500 crore. The SHGs will be provided government business of Rs 20,000 crore in the next 10 years. Mission Shakti women will also be provided pension, he added. Besides, to placate the middle class people, the manifesto announced their coverage in BSKY scheme, interest-subvention on house loans up to Rs 20 lakh and scholarships for students. He said that government employees and contract workers will also be covered under the BSKY. The manifesto announced a corpus fund of Rs 1,000 crore to provide assistance of Rs 1 lakh each for 10,000 ST, SC and OBC youths during the next 10 years to create self-employment opportunities. Besides, loans up to Rs 10 lakh will be made interest-free for SC, ST and OBC youths for encouraging entrepreneurship. Besides, a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore was announced for protection of heritage places. A corpus of Rs 100 crore will also be created for development of Odia as a classical language. The chief minister announced that government will encourage urbanisation so that population in urban centres will be doubled during the next 10 years. Four mega-clusters covering Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Khurda-Puri, Sambalpur-Jharsuguda-Rourkela , Baripada-Balasore-Bhadrak and Berhampur-Chhatrapur-Gopalpur will ensure all-round development. Besides, 20 towns will also be developed further. Poll sops Free power for consumers using 100 units 50 pc subsidy for consumers using 100-150 units 2 lakh new jobs in 5 years Rs 15 lakh loan to women without interest Rs 20,000 cr business to women SHGs in 5 years Pension for Mission Shakti members Rs 1,000 cr corpus for development, protection of heritage places Rs 100 cr for development of Odia as classical language Rs 1 lakh each for 10,000 SC, ST and OBC youths for entrepreneurship

Naveen urges people to vote for good candidates

Berhampur: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday urged voters not to support dishonest and unscrupulous candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. Addressing three election rallies in Gopalpur, Aska, and Phulbani under Berhampur, Aska, and Kandhamal Lok Sabha seats, where polling is scheduled for May 13, Patnaik interacted with the []

Odisha CM Patnaik urges people to vote for good candidates

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday urged voters not to support dishonest and unscrupulous candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. Addressing three election rallies in Gopalpur, Aska, and Phulbani under Berhampur, Aska, and Kandhamal Lok Sabha seats, where polling is scheduled for May 13, Patnaik interacted with 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 .

BJD to release its election manifesto today

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday urged the electors to vote for Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidates contesting for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha constituencies in the state. While addressing a public meeting at Kanishi in Berhampur constituency of Ganjam district, Chief Minister Patnaik warned the voters not to cast their votes in favour []

Opposition Shedding Crocodile Tears: Odisha CM Naveen at Aska

Aska: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal President Naveen Patnaik on Thursday made a scathing attack on opposition while addressing a massive election meeting in Aska Parliamentary constituency in Ganjam district. After campaigning for his candidates in Berhampur Lok Sabha segment, the BJD supremo then attended a huge public meeting in Aska. The [] The post Opposition Shedding Crocodile Tears: Odisha CM Naveen at Aska appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

BJD Supremo Naveen, 5T Chairman Pandian Slam Opposition At Kanisi Public Meeting

Berhampur: Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik today addressed a huge public gathering at Kanisi under Gopalpur Constituency in Berhampur Lok Sabha segment. Naveen reached at Reangeilunda airstrip and went to Kanisi where thousands of people welcomed him with flowers. He appealed the people to bless him and the BJD party candidates [] The post BJD Supremo Naveen, 5T Chairman Pandian Slam Opposition At Kanisi Public Meeting appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Non-supply of TB medicines hits patients in Rayagada, Ganjam districts

BERHAMPUR: Non-supply of medicines for treatment of tuberculosis for the last over a month in Ganjam and Rayagada districts have put the patients in a tough situation. Sources said the Centre, under its Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan scheme, supplies TB medicines to all states under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). However, the supply from the Centre has stopped since the last almost three months reportedly due to unavailability of medicines. As per information, vital medicines for the disease include two months administration of Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide followed by two months of three other drugs. However, their non-supply have forced many patients to skip their doses which medical practitioners say, is strongly discouraged. The situation is rather grim in Rayagada district with even the stock getting exhausted at the district headquarters hospital (DHH). The district had reported around 698 cases of TB in the last six months of which 152 patients are undergoing treatment at the DHH. Family members of the patients complained that while Asha workers do not have the requisite medicines, even local clinics and medicine shops have been restricted for selling these medicines owing to restriction imposed by the government. As a result, condition of many patients is deteriorating. Chief district medical officer Dr Lalmohan Routray said the state government is unable to supply the TB medicines due to the scarcity. We had apprised about the situation to the higher authorities and they advised us to procure the medicines from other districts. But since the demand is high, the medicines are almost always unavailable, he said. Meanwhile in Ganjam, district tuberculosis officer Dr Abani Kumar Patra said the district presently has sufficient stock for a month. But if the medicines dont reach the patients, it can be a problem, he said. The death rate due to TB has reduced from 353 in 2021 to 319 in 2022 and 224 in 2023. Unhygienic conditions, migration and weak immunity are the prime reasons for spread of the disease. Migrant workers, particularly, are potential carriers of TB apart from AIDS. We have appointed 42 TB survivors to inform and sensitise people of the disease, ways to prevent it and ensure timely administration of medicines, Dr Patra informed. Incidentally, Ganjam has recorded a rise in TB cases in the last few years. Official sources said while 5,451 TB cases were detected in 2021, the number went up to 6,466 in 2022 and 6,698 in 2023. Similar is the case with AIDS.

Odisha: Congmen on their own over funds shortage

BHUBANESWAR: Even as campaigning has gathered with only five days left for first phase polls in the state, Congress candidates have been left to fend for themselves except at some seats where heavyweights or their relatives are in fray. Out of the four Lok Sabha constituencies which will go to polls on May 13 in the first phase, Congress has a sitting MP Saptagiri Ulaka at Koraput while senior leader Bhujabal Majhi is in the fray from Nabarangpur. Droupadi Majhi and Rashmi Ranjan Mishra are in the fray from Kalahandi and Berhampur seats respectively. Congress campaigning suffered since the beginning due to shortage of funds and except Koraput, the prospects of nominees in other constituencies seem bleak. Categorisation of seats into A, B and C categories has also accentuated the difficulties faced by the candidates. The party was counting on at least two Lok Sabha seats, Koraput and Nabarangpur in the first phase while it had also a fighting chance in Kalahandi. Sources said candidates of three seats were provided minimum funds and the amount was inadequate in the face of the high-profile campaign launched by both BJD and BJP. A senior leader of the party told The New Indian Express candidates have been asked to fend for themselves. Whatever funding was done was inadequate, he said adding only candidates with victory prospects were funded. He said this has affected the prospects of the party in Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituency and the Assembly seats within it. There is also shortage of campaign materials including flags, banners and booklets of party manifesto. Congress flags and banners are missing in the constituencies. Besides, managing the party workers without funds is quite difficult, he added. Star campaigners of the party have also given the state a miss in the campaign for phase one. Former president Rahul Gandhi had addressed an election meeting at Salipur on April 28, but his Rayagada rally scheduled on May 3 was cancelled. Visit of other star campaigners including party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi is also yet to be finalised. Priyanka was expected to visit Nabarangpur but the date is yet to be finalised. Heavyweight state leaders are also bogged down in their own constituencies. While president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Sarat Pattanayak has entered the fray from Nuapada Assembly seat, the campaign committee chairman Bhakta Charan Das is seeking election from Narla in Kalahandi district. Sources in the party, however, maintained that attempts are being made to finalise the dates for visit of Rahul, Priyanka and other senior leaders to Odisha.

Give BJP chance in Odisha and see the change: Rajnath

BHAWANIPATNA/BERHAMPUR: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday appealed people of the state to give BJP a chance and see the transformation the party brings to the state. Addressing a massive rally at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Bhawanipatna, the district headquarters town of Kalahandi, Singh hit out at Congress and BJD for keeping Odisha poor and backward. Congress ruled the the country for 55 years and in every election, begged for votes to eradicate poverty. Till few years back, Kalahandi was infamous for poverty and hunger. After visiting Kalahandi, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had said out of every one rupee spent only 15 paisa reached people in the district. This region was used for poverty tourism and Congress could not remove poverty. In stark contrast, 25 crore people of the country could come out of poverty in the last 10 years of the Narendra Modi government at Centre, he said. Asserting that those living below poverty line will be lifted out in the next five years, Singh said unlike other parties BJP fulfilled whatever promises it made to people. Coming down on the BJD government for depriving people of Ayushman Bharat, Singh said BJP will implement the scheme immediately after coming to power in the state. All those aged above 70 years will be automatically covered under the scheme. He said Viksit Bharat is not possible without development of all regions of Odisha. You have already tested BJD and have seen what they have done for you. Give a chance to BJP and the see what the party is doing for the state, the minister said. Requesting the voters of Kalahandi Parliamentary constituency to elect candidate Malavika Keshari Deo with a thumping majority to strengthen the prime minister, Singh said removal of Article 370, construction of Ram Mandir and abolition of triple talaq were possible due to absolute majority of BJP in Lok Sabha. Former chief minister of Tripura, Biplab Deb expressed his anguish over Odisha still being poor despite its rich natural resources. Alleging large-scale corruption is the reason behind tardy progress of the state, he said such things happen when bureaucrats become de facto rulers. People of Odisha will no longer tolerate it, he added. Pradip Kumar Naik, Sudhir Ranjan Pattjoshi , Manoj Meher, Ramesh Majhi and Anirudha Pradhan, all MLA candidates of the party in the district also spoke. In another public meeting at Rayagada, Singh said people in Odisha want BJP to win all 21 Lok Sabha seats. He slammed the BJD for alleged misgovernance in the state. The defence minister said he has visited Odisha several times in the past but this time he is witnessing a changed atmosphere. When we ask people about the expected election result, they say BJP will win all the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state, said Singh.

Five engineering, pharmacy students arrested for raping minor girl in Odishas Ganjam district

Berhampur: Five engineering and pharmacy students have been arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl in Odishas Ganjam district, police said Wednesday. The incident took place in Baidyanathpur police station area in Berhampur town May 3 after one of the accused, who was an acquaintance of the girl, took her to his house upon finding []

9 Maoist cadres, all hailing from Chhattisgarh, surrender before Odisha police

Bhubaneswar: Nine Maoist activists, including two women cadres hailing from Chhattisgarh, on Wednesday laid down their arms before the Odisha police. According to the police, the rebels who surrendered before Inspector General of Police (IGP- (Southern Range), Jayanarayan Pankaj at Boudh, belong to Muler village of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh. The two women Maoists, identified as Yogi Madvi alias Jyoti and Pozze Madvi, had joined the Maoist group in 2019 and she was the personal security guard of Sila alias Nagmani who is an active leader of 8th company of KKBN division in Boudh district. Similarly, Pozze had joined the Maoists in 2020 and along with Jyoti she came in contact with Vikesh alias Jagdish DVM Commander of the 8th company of the KKBN division. The other seven Maoists, who have surrendered, were working as party members in the Maoist organisation. Samaya Madkam alias Naresh, a Divisional Committee Member (DCM) of KKBN Division of the Maoists had surrendered in Odisha on Tuesday. At the time of surrender, Samaya was the Commander of 1st platoon in 8th Company of the division. He surrendered before I.G of Police, Southern Range, Berhampur and Kandhamal superintendent of police. Senior officials informed that Samaya is involved in a series of offences and violent activities against the state. At least 17 cases are registered against him in Kandhamal, Boudh and Nuapada districts. It is suspected that more cases might have been registered against him in the neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The officials further said that Samaya was forced to surrender due to increase in regular Anti-Maoist operations in interior areas of Kandhamal and multiple exchanges of fire in Boudh and Kandhamal districts.

Minor girl gang-raped in Odisha's Berhampur, 5 arrested

Minor girl gangraped in Odishas Berhampur arrested

TPSODL Successfully Meets Peak Summer Demand Of 760 MW

Berhampur: TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has once again demonstrated its commitment to providing reliable power supply to the region, by successfully meeting a peak summer demand of 760 MW on May 05, 2024. This marks a significant increase from last years peak demand of 668 MW recorded in April 2023, showcasing a remarkable [] The post TPSODL Successfully Meets Peak Summer Demand Of 760 MW appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Odisha horror! Plus 2 girl student drugged and gang raped, 8 detained

Berhampur: In a horrific incident, a minor girl was allegedly gang-raped by her friends after offering her spiked cold drink in Odishas Berhampur. As per the allegations, around three days ago, the girl had gone to the home of one of her friends where she was drugged and gang raped by the eight accused. [] The post Odisha horror! Plus 2 girl student drugged and gang raped, 8 detained appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Aska BJD MLA faces angry villagers during campaign

BERHAMPUR: Tension flared during campaigning in the Aska Assembly segment as sitting BJD MLA Manjula Swain, seeking re-election, faced angry residents of Badagada under Sidhanai panchayat on Monday. The villagers, grappling with acute water scarcity, intercepted Swain, demanding immediate action to address their long-standing issue. Despite assurances from Swain to resolve the water crisis, tension remained high, with residents of Alipur also threatening to boycott the upcoming polls if their water woes remained unaddressed before the election on May 20. With just 12 days remaining until the twin elections, campaign activities have intensified across various constituencies in Ganjam district. The area is dotted with moving vehicles, rallies, and posters and leaflets soliciting votes. Contestants and their supporters are actively engaging with voters, often resorting to traditional gestures of touching feet while canvassing for support. However, in some areas, residents have begun to scrutinise candidates more closely, demanding answers to pressing local issues and challenges.

BJP unleashes top guns to breach BJD fort these elections

BHUBANESWAR: Having failed to make a significant headway in the form of electoral gains in Odisha in the last two occasions despite the Modi wave sweeping the country, the BJP is not leaving anything to chance in its efforts to breach the BJD citadel this time. The party has turned its special focus on the Odisha Assembly election besides the Lok Sabha push as is evident from the manner in which the party has lined up all its top guns to take on the ruling BJD which has been in power for a record five terms consecutively, leaving no breathing space for the Opposition. With the bonhomie between the two parties over after the failed alliance talks, the BJP is going all guns blazing on the regional party, not even sparing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Starting from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is holding back to back election rallies in the state, to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party national president JP Nadda - all have turned unsparing in their criticism of Naveen who till recently was one of their most trusted ally. The announcement of June 10 as the date of formation of BJP government by the prime minister and his extending invitation to the people of the state to be part of the oath taking ceremony is seen as a clear strategy to unnerve the BJD. Besides the intensive campaign tour of the prime minister, the party has pressed senior cabinet ministers into the heat of Odisha polls. Apart from Shah and Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have already visited the state and taken part in the party campaign. Rajnath, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Assam Chief Minister Hemant Biswa Sharma, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will be in Odisha on May 8 and 9 to campaign for the party in different constituencies that will go to polls in the states first phase on May 13. According to party insiders, the BJP leadership is all set to deploy its top leaders and vote-catchers across constituencies during all the phases to boost the campaign and invigorate the cadres and organisation to take on the BJD with all their might. The blitzkrieg by the national leaders will not only give power to the local organisation but also sway voters into their fold. It will help intensify the anti-incumbency against the BJD on the ground, they said. The prime ministers visit to Berhampur on Monday was, in fact, notable for two things. This is the second time after Chhattisgarh Assembly election that Modi announced date for government formation in a state during campaigning. He had prophesied government formation in the neighbouring state much to the disbelief of many political pundits who predicted return of the Congress government. The other being - the PM and the national president choosing Berhampur, which comes under Ganjam the home district of Naveen. Modis announcement of BJP government formation from the chief ministers turf is seen as a huge challenge thrown by the saffron party to the BJD. With the PM visiting the state again on May 10 to hold a roadshow in the state capital of Bhubaneswar and address election rally in western Odisha town of Balangir the next day, the intent is clear. Moreover, according to sources, the RSS has also pushed its cadre base in the state to work hard for BJP to motivate and mobilise voters on the ground. During the last two elections the RSS and its affiliates had not been so proactive as they are this time, sources said.

BJP cant get 10 percent votes if it names CM face: VK Pandian

BHUBANESWAR: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that a BJP government will take oath on June 10 during a public meeting at Berhampur, 5T chairman and BJD leader VK Pandian asked the saffron party to first announce its chief minister face. Launching a marathon campaign at several places of Ganjam district, Pandian said, Some people are daydreaming that Naveen Babu will not become the chief minister again. But ask BJP who is the partys chief ministerial candidate, they cannot given a reply. Coming down heavily on the BJP, the 5T chairman said if the party announces its chief ministerial candidate, it will not get even 10 per cent votes. If you have the guts, announce your chief ministerial candidate. The party will not get even 10 per cent of the votes, he said. Launching a veiled attack at Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Pandian said a union minister is trying to be the chief minister for the last 10 years. But his party does not have confidence on him, how will people of the state trust him? he questioned. Pandian said according to BJP leaders,the party will select chief minister on June 6 after results come out on June 4. But will the BJP high command decide the chief minister or people of Odisha, he asked adding, if the saffron party comes to power, the state will go back by 24 years. Earlier, Congress was in power in the state and looked up to the high command for every decision, he said and added, because of this the state had to suffer during the super cyclone. The chief ministers of national parties will be answerable to their central party and not to the people of the state, Pandian said and added that they will be on remote control. But Naveen babu is answerable to you, his remote will be in the hands of 4.5 crore people of Odisha, he added. The 5T chairman urged the people to vote for BJD to strengthen the hands of the chief minister. The chief minister loves you, you should also love him in return, he added.

Odisha people will not like their CM being remote controlled by Delhi: Pandian

Berhampur: Bureaucrat-turned-BJD leader Kartik Pandian Tuesday said the people of Odisha would not like a chief minister who will be remote-controlled by Delhi. The comment of Pandian, a close aide of Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the BJP will select its CM on []

Maoist surrenders before Odisha Police

Phulbani: A member of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) surrendered before the Odisha Police Tuesday, an officer said. Samaya Madkam, who was the commander of a team of the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division of the Maoist group, surrendered before Berhampur Southern Range IG JN Pankaj and Kandhamal SP Suvendu Kumar Patra at Phulbani. He is a native []

Kartik Pandians Election Campaign Continues In Ganjam

Berhampur: Senior Biju Janata Dal leader and 5T Chairman Kartik Pandian continued his whirlwind campaigning in Ganjam district today. After yesterdays hectic schedule, Kartik Pandian began his campaign from Sheragada today morning. He participated in a huge road show and public meeting today at Sheragada and appealed the voters to vote for the Biju [] The post Kartik Pandians Election Campaign Continues In Ganjam appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

BJD moves CEO against BeMC commissioner

BHUBANESWAR: The BJD on Monday moved the chief electoral officer (CEO) against the commissioner of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) Bhabani Prasad Mishra alleging the latter discriminated against the party by removing its display campaign materials like flexes and banners. In a memorandum submitted to the CEO, the BJD alleged that the municipal commissioner has not taken any such action against the BJP. If the pasting of signages and display campaign materials is wrong, how are such materials of BJP still on display? the BJD questioned. The BJD said this type of action has left a negative impact on the party given that polling is just seven days away. Stating this has been done with an ulterior motive to help the Opposition political parties, the memorandum said the BJD is facing a difficult situation for no fault. The party said it is not able to connect with the voters due to such action by the commissioner. The ruling party further urged the CEO to intervene into the matter and take strong action so that such discrimination does not take place.

Odisha: Many Independents in poll fray for power, some for a cause

BHUBANESWAR : From a plumber to an anti-mining activist and an astrologer to an IITian, the first phase polls in Odisha has an interesting array of Independents who have thrown their hat into the election ring. A large number of Independents are in the fray for the first phase of twin elections which is scheduled on May 13. There are 37 candidates in fray for the four Lok Sabha constituencies - Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Berhampur and Koraput - and 243 candidates for the 28 Assembly segments. Of these candidates, 11 are Independent contenders for the four parliamentary constituencies and 77 are contesting from various Assembly segments. For many, the elections can be a stepping stone for their political careers but for a few others, its a fight for a cause. Padia Padiami of Chimitapalli village under Orkel block of Malkangiri is an electrician-cum-plumber by profession and he will be contesting as an Independent from Chitrakonda Assembly seat. People of Chimitapalli and villages nearby, which are located close to Balimela, came together in protest against lack of development in their area and decided to project 30-year-old Padia as their candidate in this election. All of them are also chipping in to fund his election expenses. Our main issues are lack of all-weather roads to our villages, and lack of MSP for our paddy, he said. Similarly, 29-year-old Suchitra Majhi of Kashipur is an Independent candidate for Gunupur Assembly seat. Having been resisting bauxite mining at Niyamgiri in Sijimali, Kutumali, Basangmali under Kashipur, she wants to take her anti-mining fight forward through this election. My fight is for safeguarding the interests of tribals for whom Niyamgiri is nothing less than God, said the young leader. She believes that politics can help her take the Niyamgiri mining issue to a bigger stage. From Koraput Assembly seat, 34-year-old medical sweeper Siba Prasad Sagadia will contest without any political representation. Although he works on a daily wage basis, Sagadia has in the past fought for the rights of vendors on the streets and migrant brick kiln workers. If I win, my fight will be for the workers at the grassroots including migrant labourers who are overlooked by their employees, administration and government, said the daily wager of Koraput, who funds his campaigning by seeking donations from locals. Likewise, migration is the poll plank of Dharmananda Gahir of Lakhapadar who is contesting for the Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency. Having pursued a doctorate in mathematics from IIT-Kanpur, Gahir quit his job as assistant professor at Ramjas college in Delhi to fight the polls. Labour migration which continues in Kalahandi and Nuapada pushed him into contesting elections to bring about policy changes, he said. Son of a farmer and an anganwadi worker, he is spending his savings from his decade-old job to fund his campaign. While two of the Independents are retired Army personnel, many others are farmers and former government employees. If they win, they are hopeful of being picked up by the mainstream political parties in the days ahead. However, the election history of the four constituencies and Assembly segments under them havent been in favour of Independents. None of these seats have elected any Independent in 2019, 2014 and 2009 elections as they managed to wrest only 10 per cent or less seats.

TB scare in Ganjam due to short-supply of medicines

Berhampur: After HIV AIDS, nowadays tuberculosis (TB) has acquired an alarming proportion in Ganjam district with 18,669 patients being identified during the last three years. The Spread of the bacterial disease has worsened due to the short supply of free medicines by the Union government. As a result, people suffering from the disease are being []

LS polls 2024: Stakes high for Kharge, BSY, NCP in Phase 3

NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: The electoral fate of half-a-dozen Union ministers and two former chief ministers will be sealed on Wednesday in the third phase of the general elections is 93 constituencies in 11 states and Union territories. The BJP sees the third phase as one of consolidation as compared to the first two phases. Prominent among the heavyweight candidates in this phase are Union home minister Amit Shah in Gandhinagar, Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia (Guna), former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh (Rajgarh), NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar)s Supriya Sule (Baramati), and Adhir Ranjan Choudhary (Berhampur). In Uttar Pradesh, representatives of the Mulayam Singh Yadav clan are contesting in this phase Dimple Yadav from Mainpuri, Akshaya Yadav, son of Ram Gopal Yadav, from Firozabad and Aditya Yadav, son of Shivpal Yadav, from Budaun. In Karnataka, the last of the 14 seats will go to polls in what is being seen as a high-stakes battle for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. For, most of the seats are in North Karnataka, which is regarded as his home turf. The elections are equally important for former chief minister B S Yediyurappa, whose son Vijayendra is the state BJP president. Prominent among those in the fray in Karnataka are former CMs Basavaraj Bommai (Haveri) and Jagadish Shettar (Belgaum), Union ministers Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and Bhagwant Khuba (Bidar), Yediyurappas son Raghavendra (Shivamogga), and Kharges son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani (Gulbarga SC). According to sources, around 30-40 constituencies in the third phase will witness triangular contests, giving sitting Lok Sabha members a really tough time. Most of the sitting MPs are from the ruling BJP. Phase 3 factoids 93 seats for which polling will be held in 11 states/UTs 1,300 candidates including around 120 women, in the fray 11 crore people eligible to vote Entire Gujarat and Goa, 11 seats in Maharashtra, 10 in UP, 14 in Karnataka, 7 in Chhattisgarh, 5 in Bihar, 4 each in Assam and West Bengal to go to polls

Govt working for welfare of indigenous people: Modi

BJD Govt will expire on June 4 BERHAMPUR/NABARANGPUR (Odisha), May 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called himself son of Lord Jagannath and asserted that the expiry date of the BJD Government in Odisha is June 4, the day the assembly election results will be announced. Addressing his first election rally in the State, Modi urged people to give a chance to the BJP to make Odisha the number one state in the country. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel [] The post Govt working for welfare of indigenous people: Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rain spellsbring relief to Berhampur

Odisha forest officials arrest four suspected poachers

Berhampur: Forest personnel in Odisha have arrested four people who were allegedly trying to poach wild animals by setting fire in a jungle in Ganjam district, officials said Monday. The accused were held Sunday night while they were trying to torch a portion of the jungle in the Gajalabadi reserve forest of the Suradarange in []

Pandian rejects Modi's claim on Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJD) will have its government in Odisha on June 10, indicating that the Naveen Patnaik-led regional Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will be voted out of power, BJDs key strategist V Karthikeyan Pandian countered his statement and said, Naveen Patnaik will be sworn-in as CM of the state for a record sixth term on June 9. The rare slugfest between PM Modi and Pandian created flutters in political circles. Curious people began discussing among themselves as to whose assertion was stronger. While many maintained that Prime Minister Modi cannot make such a big assertion without having a clear understanding of the ground situation as it would cost him his reputation, the others who have been keeping a close watch on the bureaucrat-turned-politician, vouched that the latter cannot go wrong as all his previous articulations have proved right. Naveen Patnaik will take oath as the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time between 11.30 am to 1.30 pm on June 9, Pandian said on Monday afternoon. At two separate meetings - Berhampur and Nabarangpur in Odisha, the PM on Monday said, On June 4, BJP will emerge victorious in Odisha Legislative Assembly polls. On June 6, we will name our Odisha chief minister candidate and on June 10, our CM will take oath of office. The CM, Naveen Patnaik, also tried to make fun of the PMs claim. He said, BJP dina-re swapna dekhuchi. (The BJP is day-dreaming.)

Naveen Patnaik Will Be Odisha CM For Sixth Time: Pandian

Bhubaneswar : BJDs key strategist V. Karthikeyan Pandian on Monday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modis claim that the BJP will form government in Odisha on June 10 and asserted that, Naveen Patnaik will be sworn-in as the chief minister of the state for a record sixth term on June 9. The Prime Minister, addressing two separate meetings at Berhampur and Nabarangpur, said On June 4 the BJP will emerge victorious in Odisha Legislative Assembly polls. On June 6, we will name our Odisha chief minister candidate and on June 10, our CM will take oath of office. The rare slugfest between Modi and Pandian created flutters in the political circles, while many maintained that the Prime Minister cannot make such assertions without having a clear understanding of the ground situation, the others vouched that the bureaucrat-turned politician cannot go wrong as all his previous articulations were proved right. Reacting to Modis claims, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, BJPdina-re swapna dekhuchi(The BJP is day-dreaming).

BJP, Not BJD, is Odisha's Only Hope, Says PM Modi in Berhampur

BJP, Not BJD, is Odisha's Only Hope, Says PM Modi in Berhampur Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called himself ''son of Lord Jagannath'' and asserted that the expiry date of the BJD government in Odisha is June 4, the day the assembly election results will be announced. Addressing his first election rally in the state, Modi said, Odisha mein BJD ast hain, Congress past hai aur log BJP per ashwasth hai. Sirf BJP ummido ka naya suraj ban kar ubhri hain (In Odisha, the BJD is setting sun, the Congress is battered and people are sure of BJP. And the BJP has emerged as the only ray of hope for the people).'' He also urged people to give a chance to the BJP to make Odisha the number one state in the country. In an apparent dig at BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the prime minister said, ''Odisha needs a CM who understands Odia language and culture.'' ''The BJP will form a double-engine government here after the ongoing elections. The expiry date of the BJD government is June 4, 2024,'' Modi said at the Berhampur rally. Addressing another rally in Nabarangpur, the tribal heartland of Odisha, the prime minister claimed that his government has been working for the welfare of indigenous people. ''You have seen the track record of ten years of Modi's leadership. Modi increased the budget for tribal welfare by five times than the earlier allocation, the PM said at the Nabarangpur rally. Taking a reference to the cash seizure in Jharkhand, the prime minister also claimed, ''Modi is being criticised for stopping corruption and loot''. Notably, the Enforcement Directorate on Monday claimed to have recovered a huge amount of ''unaccounted'' cash during searches at the premises of a domestic help allegedly linked to the secretary of Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam. Modi said that his government at the Centre has set up 'Eklavya Model Residential' schools in tribal areas and the number of such schools has crossed 400, he said. ''People belonging to ST, SC and OBC categories comprise seven per cent of his ministry,'' he said. PM Modi also claimed that Odisha has not benefitted from the Ayushman Bharat Yojana as the BJD government did not implement it in the state. The Centre gave Rs 10,000 crore under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' scheme to Odisha but the ''BJD dispensation could not spend the money properly'', he said, adding that Paddy farmers in Chhattisgarh get MSP of Rs 3,100 per quintal, but those in Odisha receive Rs 2,100. He also accused the BJD government of ''not allowing schemes made by Modi to be implemented in Odisha''. The prime minister claimed that the people of Odisha have strength and passion, but the BJD government did not give them the right opportunities. ''You have given 50 years to Congress and 25 years to BJD. Just give five years to the BJP. We will make Odisha the number one state in the country,'' Modi said at the rally. He also said, ''We released a visionary manifesto for Odisha promising jobs for youths and women and health facilities for senior citizens. BJP fulfils what it says.'' The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha will be held simultaneously. ''I have come here to invite you to the swearing-in ceremony of BJP's CM on June 10. On that day, we will implement the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which the Naveen Patnaik government has been resisting. This son of Lord Jagannath will take care of all senior citizens under this scheme,'' Modi said. Responding to Modi's claim, senior BJD leader and Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian said, ''Patnaik would take oath as the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time between 11.30 am to 1.30 pm on June 9.'' PM Modi, however, said Odisha would get ''new energy and new leadership after the assembly elections''. ''A person, who lives, understands and takes pride in Odia culture and tradition, can help resolve the problems of Odisha at a faster pace...,'' the PM said. It is alleged that BJD chief Naveen Patnaik does not have command over the Odia language. Odisha has fertile land, mineral resources, and sea coasts, but people are still poor, Modi claimed. The prime minister also said Odisha lags behind in every development parameter despite having huge resources like mineral wealth, and a vast coastline. ''Who is responsible for Odishas backwardness? Why are the people of resource-rich Odisha still poor? The answer is rampant loot by Congress, which ruled the state for 50 years, and then the BJD for the next 25 years,'' he said. The prime minister also said that the BJP has given the country's highest post to a daughter of Odisha. ''It is my good fortune that President Droupadi Murmu Ji always tells me about the development of Odisha. I feel that I will be able to do a lot for the state under her guidance,'' he added.

BJP will transform growth trajectory of Odisha: PM Modi

BJP will transform growth trajectory of Odisha: PM Modi New Delhi: Emphasising that his government remains committed to the vision of Developed Odisha Developed India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the people of Odisha see BJP as the only party that can fulfill their aspirations. Addressing public rallies in Berhampur [] The post BJP will transform growth trajectory of Odisha: PM Modi appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

BJD govt will expire on June 4: PM Modi in Odisha

Berhampur (Odisha): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the expiry date of the BJD government in Odisha is June 4, the day the assembly election results will be announced. Addressing his first election rally in the state, Modi urged people to give a chance to the BJP to make Odisha the number one state in the country. In an apparent dig at BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the prime minister said, Odisha needs a CM who understands Odia language and culture. The BJP will form a double-engine government here after elections. The expiry date of the BJD government is June 4, 2024, Modi said at the Berhampur rally. He also claimed that Odisha has not benefitted from Ayushman Bharat Yojana as the BJD government did not implement it in the state. The Centre gave Rs 10,000 crore under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' scheme to Odisha but the BJD dispensation could not spend the money properly. You have given 50 years to Congress and 25 years to BJD. Just give five years to the BJP. We will make Odisha the number one state in the country, Modi said at the rally. Odisha has fertile land, mineral resources, and sea coasts, but people are still poor, he claimed. We released a visionary manifesto for Odisha promising jobs for youths and women and health facilities for senior citizens. BJP fulfils what it says: Modi added. The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha will be held simultaneously.

BJD Govt will expire on June 4: PM Modi

BERHAMPUR (Odisha), May 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the expiry date of the BJD Government in Odisha is June 4, the day the assembly election results will be announced. Addressing his first election rally in the state, Modi urged people to give a chance to the BJP to make Odisha the number one state in the country. In an apparent dig at BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the Prime Minister said, Odisha needs a [] The post BJD Govt will expire on June 4: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi Predicts End of BJD Rule in Odisha on June 4

PM Modi Predicts End of BJD Rule in Odisha on June 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the expiry date of the BJD government in Odisha is June 4, the day the assembly election results will be announced. Addressing his first election rally in the state, Modi urged people to give a chance to the BJP to make Odisha the number one state in the country. In an apparent dig at BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the prime minister said, ''Odisha needs a CM who understands Odia language and culture.'' ''The BJP will form a double-engine government here after elections. The expiry date of the BJD government is June 4, 2024,'' Modi said at the Berhampur rally. He also claimed that Odisha has not benefitted from Ayushman Bharat Yojana as the ''BJD government did not implement'' it in the state. The Centre gave Rs 10,000 crore under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' scheme to Odisha but the BJD dispensation could not spend the money properly. ''You have given 50 years to Congress and 25 years to BJD. Just give five years to the BJP. We will make Odisha the number one state in the country,'' Modi said at the rally. Odisha has fertile land, mineral resources, and sea coasts, but people are still poor, he claimed. ''We released a visionary manifesto for Odisha promising jobs for youths and women and health facilities for senior citizens. BJP fulfils what it says: Modi added. The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha will be held simultaneously. ''I have come here to invite you to the swearing-in ceremony of BJP's CM on June 10. On the very day, we will implement the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana which the Naveen Patnaik government has been resisting. This son of Lord Jagannath will take care of all senior citizens under this scheme,'' Modi said. Referring to Patnaik's alleged weak command over Odia language, Modi said: ''A person, who lives, understands and takes pride in Odia culture and tradition, can help resolve the problems of Odisha at a faster pace...''. He appealed to the people to allow BJP to serve the state for once and it is Modi's guarantee that Odisha will be turned into the number one state in the next five years. The prime minister said Odisha lags behind in every development parameter despite having huge resources like water, fertile land, rich mineral wealth, and a vast coastline. ''Who is responsible for Odishas backwardness? Why are the people of resources-rich Odisha still poor? The answer is rampant loot by Congress, which ruled the state for 50 years, and then the BJD for next 25 years. The BJD is sinking, while Congress is a spent force and the BJP is the only ray of hope for the people,'' he said. The prime minister also said that the BJP has given the country's highest post to the daughter of Odisha. ''It is my good fortune that President Droupadi Murmu Ji tells me every minute for the development of Odisha. I feel that I will be able to do a lot for the state under her guidance,'' he said. Responding to Modi's claim, senior BJD leader and Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian said: ''Naveen Patnaik will take oath as the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time between 11.30 am to 1.30 pm on June 9.''

BJD govts expire date is June 4: PM Modi in Odisha

Berhampur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday asserted that the expiry date of the BJD government in Odisha is June 4, the day the assembly election results will be announced. Addressing his first election rally in the state, Modi urged people to give a chance to the BJP to make Odisha the number one state in []

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

The News Mill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PM Modi arrives in Bhubaneswar, to address 2 public rallies on Monday

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar late on Saturday evening on a two-day visit to the state. The PM was welcomed by the local airport here by partys state president Manmohan Samal and local Lok Sabha member Aparajita Sarangi, among others. From the airport, after a brief interaction with the state leaders, the PM went to Raj Bhawan for his overnight stay. On Monday, Modi would address two public rallies one at Berhampur and the other Nabarangpur. We are fighting a do-or-die battle this time in Odisha. We are quite confident, the BJP will get an absolute majority this time and form the government in Odisha, BJP state president Manmohan Samal said. Thousands of people gathered at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here to have a glimpse of Modi. Overwhelmed by the warm welcome at the airport despite his arrival at around 11 pm, the PM Modi took to his X handle to express his gratitude. After programmes in Uttar Pradesh, landed to a warm welcome in Bhubaneswar. I can clearly see Odisha is all set to vote BJP in the state and Centre. People want a Government that can develop Odisha and also protect the vibrant local culture, he wrote.

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

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

Phulbani exclusion from new line irks Railway Ministry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modi, Nadda on two-day Odisha visit from Sunday

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

Rayagada: Creating voter awareness the tribal way

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

Odisha: Two women labourers die as brick kiln collapses

BERHAMPUR: In a tragic incident, two women labourers lost their lives and two others sustained serious injuries when a brick kiln collapsed on them at Nuagada village under Pattapur police limits in Ganjam district on Friday. The tragedy struck as nine labourers were engaged in the brick kiln, with four inside to stack raw bricks. However, the high stakes gave way, trapping the four workers underneath. Despite rescue efforts, one labourer perished on the spot, while the remaining three were rushed to Digapahandi CHC. Later, they were shifted to MKCG MCH after their condition worsened. Sadly, one of them succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at MKCG MCH. The deceased have been identified as Sulabh Dora (60) of Khuludi village and Saraswati Pradhan (60) of Bahaladia village. Pattapur police confirmed the deaths and initiated an investigation into the incident, with both local police and the district labour officer visiting the site. The kiln owner is currently on the run. The bodies were handed over to the families after autopsy at MCH. Illegal brick kilns have been mushrooming in remote areas of Sanakhemundi block, which have largely gone unchecked by local authorities.

Voting from home for first phase polls in Odisha begins

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

CMs new poll pitch: Is Naveen good?

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

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

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

Modi to visit Odisha twice to bolster BJP campaign

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

PM Modi to Embark on Bhubaneswar Roadshow on May 10

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

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

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

Four Odisha Lok Sabha Seats Witness Contest of 17 Crorepatis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modi to address election rallies in Odisha May 6

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

Odisha: BJP grapples with independent acts in Berhampur LS seat

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

Modi to canvass in Berhampur next week

Modi Challenges Congress: Safeguarding SC, ST, OBC Reservations

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

243 candidates in fray for 28 Odisha Assembly seats, 37 for 4 Lok Sabha constituencies

243 candidates to contest in Odisha's 28 Assembly seats on May 13, with 256 nominees for four Lok Sabha seats. Berhampur leads with 17 contestants, while Digapahandi has 13. The state will hold elections for 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 assembly segments.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Owns Assets Worth Rs 71 Crore

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

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

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

PM Modi to campaign in Odisha on May 6

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

PM Modi to campaign in Odisha May 6

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

Couple killed as car hits roadside tree in Odishas Kandhamal district

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

Odisha CM Naveen files nomination papers for Hinjili Assembly seat

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

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

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

BJP to make Odia Asmita key poll plank in Odisha to unseat 24-year-old BJD govt

Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition in Odisha Legislative Assembly, appears to have decided upon Odia Asmita (Odia pride) as its key poll plank in Odisha. If the speeches of top leaders of the saffron party in the past few days are anything to go by, it will go to the Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls with this emotional issue to disarm the Naveen Patnaik government that has been ruling the state since 2000. On April 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a national news channel in Delhi that Odia Asmita was in danger and people in the state were aghast at attempts made by certain people to trample upon their language. Home minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda in their recent election rallies in the state had also raked up Odia language and culture issues and alleged that the BJD government was extending patronization to the bid to distort Odia Asmita. Though the PM, home minister and BJP president did not mention names of any persons during their speeches, they dropped enough hints about Odia CM Naveen Patnaiks inability to speak the language of the land without referring to his written speech as well as his over-reliance on Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned-politician V Karthikeyan Pandian. Odisha was formed in 1936 as a language-based independent state. It is for the first time that language, literature and culture are going to dominate the poll narrative. The issue of Odia Asmita is said to have its genesis in V Karthikeyan Pandians growing grip on the ruling BJDs organisational affairs and the state government. The BJP has been accusing that ministers in the Naveen Pantaik government have just become rubber-stamps and none of them was able to put a signature to any files without prior sanction of Pandian. Besides, the party has been alleging that apart from Pandian a group of other non-Odia officers are calling the shots in the state administration. JP Nadda, at his Berhampur poll rally on April 28, went on to allege that all work contracts in Odisha are going to the contractors of Tamil Nadu, the home state of V Karthikeyan Pandian. He also called the BJD government corrupt and observed that nepotism had become the order of the day under Naveen Patnaiks regime. Odia Asmita, language, civilisation and culture have been attacked. We have to save language, civilisation and culture. So a change is required here, said BJPs Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha member Aparajita Sarangi.

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

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

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

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

Van mows down 65-yr-old in Ganjam

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

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

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

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

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

12 labourers hurt as borewell drilling vehicle overturns

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

BJD's Bhrugu Baxipatra slams BJP over Odia Asmita remark

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

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

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

12 hurt as drilling truck overturns in Odisha

BERHAMPUR: As many as 12 labourers were injured, five of them critically, after the borewell drilling truck they were travelling in overturned at Taptapani ghat in Ganjam district on Sunday. The accident took place when the truck was heading to Berhampur from Katamaha under Mohana block in Gajapati district. The driver lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a curve and turned turtle by trapping 12 labourers underneath it. However, locals rescued 10 of them and Pattapur police along with the fire brigade personnel rescued the other two labourers trapped under it. All the injured were rushed to Digapahandi community health centre (CHC), with five critically injured shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital after their condition worsened. Police also launched an investigation to ascertain the reason behind the mishap.

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

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

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

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