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Bhubaneswar: The BJP will go solo in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, state party president Manmohan Samal said on Friday.
Talks for alliance were being held between the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP.  “Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will fight this election alone in all 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats to create a developed India and a developed Odisha under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to fulfil the hopes, aspirations and aspirations of four and a half crore Odiyas,” Samal said in a post on X.
<a href="https://twitter.com/SamalManmohan7/status/1771115043020787956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1771115043020787956%7Ctwgr%5Ec0eeb0207da0484e0b51781f8711c205a1d32a5a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Felections%2Findia%2Fno-alliance-with-bjd-bjp-to-contest-solo-in-odisha-2948559" target="_self">https://twitter.com/SamalManmohan7/status/1771115043020787956?</a>
—PTI

BJP announces solo run in Odisha elections under PM Modi's vision, aiming for developed India & Odisha, says Manmohan Samal.

No alliance with BJD, BJP to contest solo in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Nine Bangladeshis were detained by the Odisha Police for allegedly entering the Jagannath Temple in Puri unauthorisedly, an officer said on Monday.
They were detained on Sunday evening after a few Vishva Hindu Parishad activists found that several Bangladeshi non-Hindus entered the 12th-century shrine, flouting the temple norms, and lodged a complaint at the Singhadwar Police Station, he said.  After getting the complaint, a police team reached the spot and detained the tourists for questioning, Puri Additional SP Sushil Mishra said.
“We have received a complaint that some non-Hindu people from Bangladesh have entered the temple. We have detained nine Bangladeshis and started questioning them,” the additional superintendent of police said.  As per temple norms, only Hindus are allowed to enter the shrine.
If they are found to be non-Hindu, action will be taken against them, as per law, Mishra said.  “We are verifying their passports. It was found that one of them is a Hindu. We are checking the passports of others. Preliminary investigation suggests that four of the nine detainees entered the temple,” he added.
—PTI

Odisha Police detain 9 Bangladeshis at Jagannath Temple in Puri after non-Hindu entry complaint; investigation ongoing.

Nine Bangladeshis detained for 'unauthorised' entry into Jagannath Temple in Puri

Bhubaneswar: Youth Congress supporters hurled tomatoes and eggs at Odisha police after they were prevented from marching towards Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s residence during a protest rally against 'unemployment' and 'corruption' here on Friday.
Led by their national president B V Srinivas, hundreds of youth Congress supporters participated in the Naveen Hatao, Odisha Bachao protest rally, party sources said.  The protest saw the involvement of key figures such as Odisha Congress campaign committee chairman Bijay Patnaik, former president Jaydev Jena, senior MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, state youth Congress president Ranjit Patra, and other senior leaders, they said.  As the rally approached Raj Mahal square en route to Naveen Niwas, police intervened, leading to a confrontation between them and the Congress supporters. In response, some some people hurled tomatoes and eggs at the police, they added.  Subsequently, the police detained several Congress supporters and leaders, releasing them later.
Speaking to reporters, Srinivas emphasised the demands for employment opportunities for youths and an end to corruption in the state.  He criticised both the BJD and BJP, likening them to two sides of the same coin, and pledged to continue fighting for the people of Odisha.  Congress leader Jaydev Jena accused the CM of stifling opposition voices, alleging that the government even barred the Congress from protesting.  He highlighted the issue of migration from Odisha due to lack of employment opportunities, stating that over 30 lakh people from the state have migrated to other states for livelihood.  Reacting to the protest, senior BJD leader and MLA Rajendra Sahoo said, “The opposition holds such protests during election time. But the reality is that the people of Odisha have already decided to elect the BJD and make Naveen Patnaik the CM for the sixth term."
—PTI

Hundreds of Youth Congress supporters rallied against unemployment and corruption in Odisha, facing police confrontation en route to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's residence.

Youth Congress supporters hurl tomatoes, eggs on Odisha police during protest

Nabarangpur: Union Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that people have shown so much trust in Prime Minister Modi that he will have a third term in the central government as Prime Minister of India. "...People have shown so much trust in PM Modi that he'll have his third term in the central government and also the fourth," said Union Minister Rajnath Singh said in Nabarangpur. The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a series of visits to Odisha starting Thursday, where he will participate in a gathering with party members and address a public event in Mayurbhanj district. The visit is part of the Defence Minister's two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha concluding on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Minister addressed a gathering at the inaugural event of MILAN 2024 International Seminar in Vishakhapatnam. MILAN 2024 is the Indian Navy's largest ever multilateral naval exercise commencing here in Vizag with an impressive lineup of warship from Indian and foreign navies participating in the Harbour Phase. Singh's day-long visit to Odisha is included in the itinerary of senior BJP leaders visiting different Lok Sabha constituencies in preparation for the 2024 general elections and the Odisha Assembly polls. The Minister would start the "cluster tour" by attending a meeting with party workers at Nabarangapur and Berhampur districts and a public meeting at Mayurbhanj in Odisha. In a post on his 'X' handle, the Defence Minister had also mentioned: "Tomorrow, February 22, I shall be on a cluster tour in Odisha. Looking forward to addressing Karyakarta Sammelans at Nabarangapur &amp; Berhampur and a public meeting at Mayurbhanj. @BJP4Odisha." Later, the Minister is set to arrive at Baripada stadium in Mayurbhanj district around 4 pm, where he will deliver a speech to a public audience.
—ANI

Union Minister Rajnath Singh expresses confidence in Prime Minister Modi's leadership, predicting a third term for him. Follow his tour in Odisha as part of preparations for the 2024 elections.

PM Modi will have third term in central govt: Union Minister Rajnath Singh

Bhubaneshwar: The Gupteswar Forest, located near the Gupteswar Shiva temple in the Dhondrakhol reserve forest within the Jeypore Forest Division of Koraput district in Odisha has been designated as the fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS) in the state. The site spreads over 350 hectares of demarcated area. Along with its sacred grooves traditionally worshipped by the local community, the site is bestowed with a wide range of flora and fauna. The biodiversity inventory and survey conducted by the Odisha Biodiversity Board shows the presence of at least 608 faunal species including 28 species of mammals, 188 species of birds, 18 species of amphibia, 48 species of reptiles, 45 species of Pisces, 141 species of butterflies, 43 species of moths, 41 species of odonates, 30 species of spiders, six species of scorpion, and 20 species of lower invertebrates.
Significant faunal species like mugger crocodile, kanger valley rock gecko, sacred Grove Bush Frog, and avifauna like black baza, Jerdon's baza, Malaber trogon, common hill myna, white-bellied woodpecker, banded bay cuckoo, etc have also been documented. The limestone caves of Gupteswar are adorned with eight species of bats out of the total sixteen species found in southern Odisha. Among them, two species galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii are under the near-threatened category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
This site also has a rich floral diversity embracing 182 species of trees, 76 species of shrubs, 177 species of herbs, 69 species of climbers, 14 species of orchids and threatened medicinal plants like Indian trumpet tree, Indian snakeroot, Cumbi gum tree, Garlic pear tree, Chinese fever vine, Rohituka tree, Jodpakli, Indian jointfir, and a number of wild crop relatives of ginger and turmeric. In addition to this, many agriculturally and industrially important micro-organisms have also been indicated to exist in this primaeval ecosystem. 
Declaration of Gupteswar as BHS while boosting the cultural attachment of people to this forest will also lead to the conservation of its precious biodiversity. With this declaration, the State has now four Biodiversity Heritage sites. The other three are Mandasaru BHS in Kandhamala district, Mahendragiri BHS in Gajpati district, and Gandhamardan BHS in Bargarh and Bolangir district. State Government has asked the Odisha Biodiversity Board to prepare a long-term plan for intensive conservation and development of these sites through direct participation of the local communities. An amount of Rs.35 lakhs has been provided for the preparation of an action plan and awareness-building activities among the localities. The nature lovers, intelligentsia, and local populace welcomed the decision of the Government and expressed satisfaction that this forest in the long run would add to the livelihood of the people through eco-tourism and minor forest produce. Chairperson of the Board Dr Meeta Biswal and Member Secretary Dr. Nihar Ranjan Nayak congratulated the bio-diversity management committee of Haladikunda (Gupteswar ) Gram Panchayat along with scientists and researchers of the Board for this achievement.
—ANI

Discover Gupteswar Forest, Odisha's latest Biodiversity-Heritage Site, boasting diverse flora, fauna, sacred grooves, and limestone caves. Conservation efforts underway

Gupteswar forest declared as fourth bio-diversity heritage site in Odisha

Discover Gupteswar Forest, Odisha's latest Biodiversity-Heritage Site, boasting diverse flora, fauna, sacred grooves, and limestone caves. Conservation efforts underway.

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark move set to strengthen Odisha's position in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, JSW Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Odisha government for the establishment of an Integrated Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV Battery Manufacturing Project in Cuttack and Paradeep. According to an official release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), "While at Cuttack, there will be EV Vehicle and Component Manufacturing plants; in Paradeep, it will set up copper Smelter and Lithium Refinery. This historic moment marks JSW Group's strategic entry into Odisha, amidst competitive offers from other states." "The ambitious project, with an investment of Rs 40,000 crore, will help create over 10,000 jobs for our youth, marking a significant growth in employment generation in the state," it said. The project will also spur employment generation in ancillary and support services. It will catalyze MSME development, opening a plethora of opportunities in the auto component supply chain and services sector. Furthermore, the JSW Group's commitment to skilling the local workforce will ensure that the benefits of this industrial growth are widespread, enhancing the employability of the state's youth in cutting-edge manufacturing processes. The Odisha Government's support through a special package of incentives for the project underlines the state's commitment to fostering industrial growth and technological innovation. This initiative is expected to not only enhance Odisha's industrial landscape but also contribute significantly to India's EV manufacturing capabilities. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that this day marks a great leap forward in our journey towards industrial excellence and sustainable development. "Powered by the 5T initiative, Odisha is on a steady path of transformation. The establishment of the JSW Group's Electric Vehicle manufacturing unit is a testament to our state's evolving industrial landscape. This strategic move underscores our commitment to sustainable development, thereby, positioning Odisha as a pivotal player in India," said the Chief Minister. He further said that this project will enhance the livelihoods of thousands of families and contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of our region. It will also catalyse the growth of MSMEs, spurring the development of a vibrant ecosystem of ancillary industries, he added. CM Patnaik underscored that the project also heralds Odisha's significant entry into the ever-growing automobile industry sector in India. This project, he said, aligns perfectly with our vision to be at the forefront of the adoption of green technology, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions. Through our collaboration with JSW Group, he added, we are setting the stage for a future where innovation drives our industrial growth, ensuring that the youth of Odisha have access to the skills and jobs that will define the next generation of economic development. Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, of JSW Group highlighted JSW Group's commitment to Odisha. He said that JSW chose Odisha for its first EV unit because of its stable leadership, and the state government's unparalleled support to industries, besides its resources and skill ecosystem. Odisha has all the potential to become a One Trillion Dollar economy, he added. He further said that our long-standing relationship with Odisha and its people forms the foundation of our new venture. This project is a milestone in our journey, reflecting our commitment to the state's development and prosperity, he added. Industries Minister Pratap Dev said that the vision of the Chief Minister is on the right trajectory. The state is catapulting into new areas of industrial growth with amazing speed, he added. Among others, the event was attended by Shri Kartik Pandian, Charmain 5T Initiatives &amp; Nabin Odisha; Chief Secretary Shri PK Jena and Seniors Officers of Govt of Odisha; representatives of leading industry associations, leading technical and professional institutions of the state. Principal Secretary Shri Hemant Sharma in his welcome address outlined the details of the project, and its impact on the future of Odisha in the industry sector and job prospects. This partnership between JSW Group and the Government of Odisha not only underscores the state's attractive investment climate but also its strategic initiatives to position Odisha at the forefront of India's EV and green technology sectors. The project consists of a 50 GWH EV battery plant, EVs, Lithium refinery, Copper smelter and related component manufacturing units.&nbsp;
—ANI

JSW Group partners with Odisha for a groundbreaking EV and battery manufacturing project, poised to generate jobs and drive sustainable industrial growth.

JSW Group inks MoU to set up mega integrated electric vehicle and EV battery manufacturing project in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian said that he was inspired by the Chief Minister to join politics. "I decided because I was inspired by the Chief Minister, the way he was into public service. And it was not a grand plan or something for me to enter," Pandian said in a free-wheeling conversation with ANI.The former civil servant shared that his decision to join politics was completely unplanned and his batch-mates might have laughed when they found out that he had resigned from service and joined a political party. "I would say that one year back if you had asked me, "Are you going to join politics?" I would have firmly said a 'no'. My batch-mates will laugh if they know that I have resigned and I have joined a party because it was not in my plan at all," Pandian said. The ex-bureaucrat said that he noticed the love and affection of people while on a tour of the districts in Odisha, a year ago and that is when he thought he needs to go beyond the limits of "bureaucratic rules" while reaching out to the people. "Eight, nine months back, I started touring the districts. And I saw the love and affection of people. It was very humbling. I thought that I should not be bound by bureaucratic rules in reaching out to the people. And that is the only reason why I resigned and joined, inspired by the Chief Minister. But I had no plans whatsoever to join politics. No plans," Pandian said. Sharing more about his career-altering tour, the former bureaucrat said that he travelled to all 30 districts of the State as part of reaching out to the people when the footfall at the chief minister's grievance cell fell post-pandemic. "I have always travelled with the Chief Minister. This time I travelled on my own to all 30 districts, 146-147 constituencies. We took this exercise because, after COVID, the footfall in the chief minister's grievance cell had reduced. We had closed the Chief Minister's grievance cell for two years because of Covid. After that it never picked up. People had stopped coming. There was very less footfall in the grievance cell. So the chief minister decided, why don't we reach out? This is the first time in a state, in any state, the Chief Minister's office went and did grievance in a decentralized manner, in constituencies, in blocks," he shared. Pandian said that on that tour he committed to people to solve their problems in a stipulated time and all the timelines were met "magically". "I committed to people that your problem, this problem will be solved in 10 days, this problem will be solved in 15 days, this problem will be solved in one month, the system rose to that occasion and with the Honourable Chief Minister's guidance, whatever timelines we had set, it was all being met. It was completely magical. We had thousands of petitions, all transparent way, it has been disposed of," the former civil servant said. Pandian said his "inner call" to join politics came when he met those people that he realised the "strong connect" with them. He said he came to understand that he would not be able to reach out to them if he remains as continues to stay in the bureaucracy. "So when I went to the people, when I met them, I realized that there is a strong connect with people. And I thought being a bureaucrat, I won't be able to reach out to them. I have to get out of bureaucracy. It was an inner call," he shared. Speaking about being inspired by the Chief Minister he said that he has noticed the way Patnaik handles various situations and how he reacts to criticism throughout the decades which has moved him. "I think one gets inspired being with him for more than a decade. You are working so closely with him. You get to see how he reacts to situations, how he reacts to criticism. So you get inspired by him. Perhaps something of him has rubbed in me. But you know he has a number of years of experience," he said. Pandian said that when he joined the bureaucracy, he was allotted Punjab cadre initially in the year 2000 but after the Super Cyclone he decided to go to Odisha instead because Naveen Patnaik had taken over as the Chief Minister. "I got Punjab cadre initially in 2000. And in 1999, Super Cyclone had hit Odisha very badly. Odisha was in a very bad shape. So there was a dilemma of which cadre I should move. So I decided to go to Odisha because Mr Naveen Patnaik had taken over as Chief Minister of Odisha. And the director of our academy said that go to Odisha, you will get great chance to work. And there is an honest person who has become Chief Minister. So you will get great scope to work. So, that's how I came to Odisha," he said. Speaking about his first impression of Naveen Patnaik, Pandian said that he did not fit the stereotype of a political person. "Whatever stereotype one has about a political leader, he was completely unlike. Very warm, very down to earth, very humble and had an eye for good work. He had come and he immediately appreciated me for 2-3 things. Which I thought was very nice of him to tell to such a junior officer," Pandian said.
—ANI

VK Pandian, inspired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, shares his journey from civil service to politics in Odisha, highlighting his unplanned transition and commitment to public service.

Naveen Patnaik inspired me to join politics" says VK Pandian as he opens up on leaving IAS for politics

Jharsuguda: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not belong to the Other Backward Caste (OBC) community as he was born in a general category. Addressing a public rally during the Odisha leg of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra here, the Wayanad MP said, "Whenever BJP workers come to you, tell them one thing that our Prime Minister lied to the entire country that he belonged to the backward class. He was not born in a backward class, he belongs to the general caste. You tell this to every BJP worker."This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently in Parliament called himself 'sabse bada OBC' (the biggest OBC) and accused the Congress of indulging in hypocrisy and adopting double standards while dealing with leaders of Backward communities. "Congress party and UPA government did not deliver justice with OBCs. A few days ago, Karpoori Thakur ji was conferred with Bharat Ratna. In 1970, when he became Bihar CM, what was not done to destabilise his government? Congress can't tolerate OBCs...They keep counting how many OBCs are there in government. Can't you (Congress) see the biggest OBC here (pointing towards himself)?" PM Modi said in his reply to the 'Motion of Thanks' on the President's Address in Lok Sabha on Monday. PM Modi continued his attack on the UPA government and said that the previous government did not deliver justice to OBCs. "During the UPA Government, an extra-constitutional body was formed. The government could not have its way before that body. National Advisory Council - did it have any OBC members? Find out," he added. The Odisha leg of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is scheduled to be completed this afternoon before going on a two-day break from February 9-10. The yatra will resume on February 11 from Chhattisgarh. Earlier on Wednesday, the 25th day of the Nyay Yatra, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, visited Vedvyas Dham in the Sundergarh district of Western Odisha. The cave of this temple is considered to be the place where sage and poet Ved Vyas ji composed the Mahabharata. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra rolled out from Manipur's Thoubal on January 14. The yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts. It will cover a distance of 6,713 km, straddling 100 Lok Sabha constituencies and 337 assembly segments and covering 110 districts. The yatra will conclude in Mumbai on March 20, after 67 days. A follow-up to the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' which saw Rahul Gandhi cover more than 3,000 kilometres on foot--from Kanya Kumari to Srinagar--the Yatra 2.0 is following a hybrid format.
—ANI

Rahul Gandhi questions PM Modi's OBC status. Modi asserts identity, accuses Congress. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Odisha continues amidst political tensions.

PM Modi not born as OBC, belongs to general caste: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi questions PM Modi's OBC status. Modi asserts identity, accuses Congress. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Odisha continues amidst political tensions.



Jharsuguda: The Odisha leg of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, being spearheaded by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to be completed on Thursday, party leader Jairam Ramesh said. Taking to the social media platform, X, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh, said that the yatra will be on a two-day break from this afternoon. "This morning, after going through Jharsuguda District, there will be a flag handover at Rengalpali and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will complete its Odisha run and move into Chhattisgarh. After 12 continuous days on the road, from this afternoon onwards, through the 9th and 10th, the Yatra will be on a break. The Yatra will resume on the morning of the 11th of February in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh," Jairam Ramesh wrote on X. "The Yatra will re-enter Jharkhand on the morning of the 14th, and thereafter re-enter Bihar on the morning of the 15th. On the afternoon of February 16th, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will enter Uttar Pradesh," he added. Earlier on Wednesday, the 25th day of the Nyay Yatra, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, visited Vedvyas Dham in the Sundergarh district of Western Odisha. The cave of this temple is considered to be the place where sage and poet Ved Vyas ji composed the Mahabharata. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered Odisha on Tuesday after Jharkhand. The Yatra was accorded with a grand welcome in Biramitrapur, a small industrial town in Sundergarh district. On this occasion, Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur handed over the national flag to Odisha Congress President Sarat Patnaik. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra rolled out from Manipur's Thoubal on January 14. The yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts. It will cover a distance of 6,713 km, straddling 100 Lok Sabha constituencies and 337 assembly segments and covering 110 districts. The yatra will conclude in Mumbai on March 20, after 67 days. A follow-up to the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' which saw Rahul Gandhi cover more than 3,000 kilometres on foot--from Kanya Kumari to Srinagar--the Yatra 2.0 is following a hybrid format.
—ANI

Follow the progress of Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as it transitions from Odisha to Chhattisgarh, covering key political territories. Stay updated with Congress's campaign journey

Nyay Yatra to go on two-day break after completion of Odisha-leg: Congress' Jairam Ramesh

Sundergarh: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited and offered prayers at Vedvyas temple in Rourkela, Sundargarh. "Today the 25th day of Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra began with Rahul Gandhi's visit to Vedvyas Dham in Sundergarh district of Western Odisha. The cave of this temple is considered to be the place where sage and poet Ved Vyas ji composed the Mahabharata," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X.
"Today we had darshan and worship at the ancient Vedavyas temple located in Rourkela, Odisha. Maharishi Vedvyas composed the great book Mahabharata at this place, which teaches us to fight against unrighteousness and injustice. I wish that the war of justice started against injustice would be successful," the official X handle of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra posted. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered Odisha on Tuesday after Jharkhand. The Yatra was accorded with a grand welcome in Biramitrapur, a small industrial town in Sundergarh district. On this occasion, Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur handed over the national flag to Odisha Congress President Sarat Patnaik. Biramitrapur was decked up with banners, cut-outs and hoardings of Gandhi before the yatra entered the town. "We have taken up the flag of justice to fight injustice. Together, we have decided that we will keep moving forward until we get our right to justice. Many thanks to the people of Odisha for the enthusiastic welcome," the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra's handle posted on X.
Earlier, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday sent an invitation letter to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to join Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra as it reaches Uttar Pradesh on February 16. The Samajwadi Party (SP) said earlier that he was yet to receive a formal invite from the Congress to join Rahul's hybrid march, adding that his party wouldn't ask for one. Akhilesh has been invited to share the stage with Rahul during a public rally at National Inter College in Chandauli's Saiyadraja on February 16. The Samajwadi Party (SP) confirmed later on Tuesday that its Supremo has accepted the invitation and has consented to joining the 'Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra' in Amethi or Rae Bareli. "I hope that 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' will link up with the strategy of 'PDA' (Pichde, Dalit and Alpasankhyak) after entering Uttar Pradesh and will take our movement of 'social justice' and 'mutual harmony' further," Yadav said, adding, "The team of 'INDIA' and the strategy of 'PDA' will script new history in the country." In Odisha, the yatra will cover around 200 km in the two western districts of Sundergarh and Jharsuguda. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra rolled out from Manipur's Thoubal on January 14. The yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts. It will cover a distance of 6,713 km, straddling 100 Lok Sabha constituencies and 337 assembly segments and covering 110 districts. The yatra will conclude in Mumbai on March 20, after 67 days. A follow-up to the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' which saw Rahul Gandhi cover more than 3,000 kilometres on foot--from Kanya Kumari to Srinagar--the Yatra 2.0 is following a hybrid format.
—ANI

Follow Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, covering 6,700 km over 67 days, addressing social justice issues and political unity. Join the movement!

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 25th Day: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi offers prayers at Vedvyas temple in Rourkela

Bhubaneswar: In an unique political demonstration the Congress party in Odisha arranged a symbolic "marriage" ceremony between the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The event took place at the Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar and aimed to draw attention to what the Congress claims is a long standing collaboration between these two parties.  Wearing masks depicting leaders from both the BJD and BJP Congress workers carefully organized the ceremony with rituals accompanied by drum beats and chanting of mantras. The invitation cards for "BJP weds BJD" event mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the grooms father and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as the brides father.  Congress leader Ajoy Kumar provided justification for this event by alleging a 23 year "live in relationship" between BJD and BJP. He stated, "To prevent any perceptions about them in society we have arranged this wedding." Kumar accused both parties of engaging in theatrics at a national level while pretending to be opponents in Odisha.  Kumar, who oversees Congress affairs in Odisha highlighted several instances where BJD has supported BJP on various matters such, as land acquisition bill, farm laws, demonetization, GST implementation, presidential polls and Citizenship Amendment Bill. He said that the investigative agencies like CBI or ED never investigated matters in Odisha involving the BJP in exchange for something. Pointing out their alleged silence on issues Kumar accused the BJP of neglecting important matters such as the mining scam, chit fund scam and high profile murder cases in our state. Sarat Pattanayak, the State Congress president claims that due to the collaboration between BJD and BJP Odisha has suffered and people are turning to Congress as their alternative.  In response to this event Biranchi Tripathy, a spokesperson for the state BJP dismissed it as an attempt by Congress to prove its existence. He asserted that Congress is in condition nationwide and will soon fade away in Odisha. Bhupindar Singh, a BJD leader also dismissed the demonstration by Congress and stated that people will not accept such antics ahead of elections. He emphasized that BJD has consistently supported the Centre on issues indicating that both his party and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik are gaining strength despite allegations, from both Congress and BJP.
—Input from Agencies

Congress exposes alleged 23-year collaboration between BJD and BJP in Odisha with a symbolic 'wedding.' Ajoy Kumar claims political theatrics while BJP and BJD respond.

'BJP-BJD Alliance': Congress Stages Symbolic 'Wedding' Ceremony in Odisha

Angul (Odisha): Responding to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's assertion that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra represents an ideological battle against the politics of polarization and social, economic, and political injustice, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remarked on Sunday that the 'tukde-tukde' (breaking into factions) gang is merely putting on a show of uniting the country.  Speaking to ANI in Odisha's Angul just hours before the Yatra's launch, Pradhan questioned the ideology of the 'tukde-tukde' gang and stated, "They are staging a drama of uniting the country."  Referring to the upcoming Pran Pratishtha event at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, the senior BJP leader emphasized, "The country is now 'Ram-may,' the ideology of Ram is prevalent today, and the country has a new awakening. Some people cannot tolerate this progress. So they indulge in this useless politics."  He added, "The country's people have given them an answer in the last two elections, and they will do so this time as well."  Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli dismissed terms like "Bharat Jodo Nyay" used by the Congress for Rahul Gandhi's political campaigns, stating that they hold no meaning as the party has no intention of implementing them.  "These words that the Congress party uses for Rahul Gandhi's political campaigns...they have no meaning. The Congress party has no intention to implement them," Kohli said in Guwahati, speaking to ANI on Sunday.  Kohli highlighted the developmental strides in the northeast under the Narendra Modi government, contrasting it with the Congress regime. He noted the increased visits by the Prime Minister and Union Ministers to the region.  "Internet, highways, airports, and railways are at a pace never seen before. Airports have increased from 9 to 17, the second railway station opened in Nagaland after a hundred years. The Congress party was sleeping," Kohli added.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra:-a-hearty-reception-for-rahul-gandhi-in-imphal" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra:-a-hearty-reception-for-rahul-gandhi-in-imphal</a>&nbsp;
 The BJP spokesperson also pointed out that under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the term "Look East" was coined, which transformed into "Act East" under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In contrast, Kohli claimed that the Congress has neither looked nor acted for the northeast.  "Basically, under Atal ji's government, the BJP had said 'look east.' PM Narendra Modi has made it into 'act east.' The Congress party never looked at the Northeast, they never acted for the Northeast. For them, these are only marketing words for Rahul Gandhi's rebranding, yatra, political things," Kohli said.  He concluded by predicting that in 2024, the people of the Northeast will respond to the Congress party's coined words. The 'Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra' is set to commence with a floral tribute at the Khongjom War Memorial, followed by its launch at Myay Maidan, Khongjom in Manipur's Thoubai. Rahul Gandhi aims to cover over 6,700 kilometers over 67 days, traversing 110 districts during the Yatra.
—Input from Agencies

Explore the political drama as Dharmendra Pradhan challenges the 'Tukde-tukde Gang,' while Rahul Gandhi launches Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

Dharmendra Pradhan: Accuses 'Tukde-tukde Gang' of Theatrics in Unifying Nation during Bharat Nyay Yatra

Keonjhar (Odisha): At least eight people including three women and a child were killed and several others injured when their vehicle hit a stationary truck in Odisha’s Keonjhar district early Friday, police said.  The accident took place on National Highway 20 near Balijodi village in Ghatagon area when the occupants of the vehicle were going to visit a temple.
While seven people died on the spot, another succumbed at a hospital.  Five of the injured people were undergoing treatment at Keonjhar district headquarters hospital, while three others were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as their condition deteriorated.
A total of 20 people from Pudamari village in Ganjam district were on their way to have a darshan of Goddess Trarini, police said.  It is suspected that the driver dozed off leading to the accident that took place barely three km away from the temple.  The police have started an investigation.
—PTI

At least eight people including three women and a child were killed and several others injured when their vehicle hit a stationary truck

Odisha: 8 killed as vehicle hits stationary truck on highway

Kendrapara [Odisha]: A civic body in Odisha has drawn flak for operating a crematorium in which only bodies of Brahmins are cremated.
The 155-year-old Kendrapara Municipality, the oldest civic body in the eastern state, has even put up a 'Brahmin crematorium' signage at the entrance of the burning ghat at Hazaribagicha locality in the town.  Local sources said that although the crematorium was used for performing the last rites of Brahmins for a long time, the official signage was recently put up after the renovation of the facility with government grants.  People from other castes cremate their kin at another nearby crematorium, which was also renovated in the recent haul-up, they said.
"Yes, the issue has come to our notice and we are looking into it. Steps will be taken to set right the alleged caste discrimination," Prafulla Chandra Biswal, Executive Officer of Kendrapara Municipality, said.  The matter has drawn flak from Dalit rights activists and political leaders.  Nagendra Jena, district unit president of Odisha Dalit Samaj, "I was shocked to know that the municipality has been maintaining a crematorium only for Brahmins for a long time. By doing so, the government body is breaking the law and promoting caste discrimination. This practice should be put to an end at the earliest."  CPI(M) district unit secretary Gayadhar Dhal said it is illegal for a civic body to run a crematorium only for Brahmins.  "People from other castes should also have the right to perform the last rites of their dear ones at the cremation ground," he said.  Dhal said that the 'Brahmins only' crematorium violates fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution to people of all castes. Allocating a separate cremation ground for Brahmins amounts to encouraging caste inequality, he added.
—PTI

A civic body in Odisha has drawn flak for operating a crematorium in which only bodies of Brahmins are cremated.

Casteism even in death: Odisha civic body operates 'Brahmins only' crematorium

Bhubaneswar: An official of the Odisha government's labour department has spoken to workers from the state trapped after the collapse of an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
Five labourers from Odisha are among the 40 workers who have been trapped there.  "We have sent two officials to Uttarkashi, who are coordinating with the local administration and line agencies for the safe rescue of the workers. One of our officials talked to the trapped labourers through the pipe laid down there for communication," said an official of the labour department.
The labourers said they are safe and doing fine. Water and food are being supplied to them. It was expected that the workers would be rescued soon, he said.  The labour officials will camp there till the completion of the rescue operation and bring them back to Odisha.  The workers from Odisha have been identified as Tapan Mandal and Bhagban Batra from Nabarangpur, and Biseswar Nayak, Dhiren, and Raju Nayak from Mayurbhanj district.
—PTI

An official of the Odisha government's labour department has spoken to workers from the state trapped after the collapse of an under-construction tunnel

Odisha govt official speaks to state labourers trapped in Uttarkashi tunnel

Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Reacting to the arrest of AAP MP Sanjay Singh in the Delhi excise policy case, BJP Spokesperson Sambit Patra on Thursday accused the AAP of indulging in "corruption openly" and of doing "politics" when they are caught on it. "AAP MP Sanjay Singh has been arrested by the ED yesterday in a liquor scam case... It is AAP's character to do corruption openly and when they are caught, they start politics over it," Sambit Patra said in a press conference in Bhubaneswar.
The BJP spokesperson said the culprits in the Delhi excise policy case will be caught in ascending order depending on the magnitude of their fraud. The arrest of Sanjay Singh is the second high-profile arrest in the case after former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was arrested. The federal agency on Wednesday morning raided the residence of AAP leader Sanjay Singh in connection with the now-cancelled liquor excise policy in the national capital. The development followed closely on the heels of the ED's raid on the premises belonging to two of Sanjay Singh's alleged close aides in the same context. Sanjay Singh's father Dinesh Singh accused ED of doing the bidding of their "masters". "They (ED) did what their masters told them. They did not find anything at my residence. When you don't find anything, the search takes time. They did not find anything so it took time," Dinesh Singh said. Reacting to the arrest AAP MP Sandeep Pathak alleged that the case was nothing but a "process to break and defeat AAP illegally". "These are testing times. AAP will rise stronger. This has been going on for 15 months now. They raided thousands of locations and tortured people. Nothing has come out and nothing will come out. They have arrested an AAP leader in connection with a policy that has benefitted the government," Pathak said "Why are they doing this? After the formation of AAP, Delhi and Punjab slipped out of the hands of BJP. AAP then entered Gujarat &amp; other states. They know that it is difficult to defeat us honestly &amp; legally. So, this is a process to break and defeat AAP illegally. Ultimately there will be justice. We trust God, the Court and the public," he added. As per the enforcement directorate claims, Singh and his partners played a part in the Delhi government's decision to give licenses to alcohol shops and merchants in 2020, causing losses to the state exchequer and violating anti-corruption laws. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal condemned Singh's arrest stating, "The arrest of Sanjay Singh is completely illegal. This shows Modi ji's nervousness. They will arrest many more opposition leaders till the elections". Also, the AAP MP's arrest triggered sharp reactions from the leaders of the INDIA alliance. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha said, "It is not the ED that has arrested Sanjay Singh, he has been arrested by the unit of BJP that comprises ED-IT-CBI. Dark days have begun...In this era of dictatorship, jo dar gaya wo mar gaya. The dictators themselves are scared. This fear will be retaliated against soon". The AAP is also set to hold a protest outside the BJP headquarters on Thursday opposing Singh's arrest.
—ANI

Reacting to the arrest of AAP MP Sanjay Singh in the Delhi excise policy case, BJP Spokesperson Sambit Patra on Thursday accused the AAP of indulging

"It is AAP's character to do corruption openly...," BJP on arrest of AAP MP Sanjay Singh

Bhubaneswar (Odisha): As Delhi Police's Special Cell raided the residences of senior journalists associated with the online portal NewsClick, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday said that the crackdown would have been definitely done on the basis of evidence. While speaking to reporters here, the Union Minister said, "The investigation agencies are doing their work. If the agency has taken action, then it must have been based on evidence or complaint."
Earlier, on Tuesday, Delhi Police's Special Cell carried out raids at more than 30 locations linked with the online news portal NewsClick and its journalists.  The raids came in connection with a case registered on August 17 under UAPA and other sections of IPC, including 153A (promoting enmity between two groups), and 120 B (criminal conspiracy). Responding to the incident, the Editors Guild, in a statement, said it was "deeply concerned" about the raids at the residences of senior journalists early this morning.&nbsp;
"Their laptops, mobile phones and other devices have been seized. Senior journalists have been taken into custody by the Delhi Police, allegedly for 'questioning.' Media reports suggest that the raids have been widespread. The raids are reportedly being conducted in connection with an FIR filed under the draconian UAPA and laws relating to criminal conspiracy and disruption of communal harmony against journalists, including those associated with the website Newsclick.in," the Guild said in a statement.  "EGI is concerned that these raids are yet another attempt to muzzle the media. While we recognise that the law must take its course if actual offences are involved, due process has to be followed. The investigation of specific offences must not create a general atmosphere of intimidation under the shadow of draconian laws, or impinge on the freedom of expression and the raising of dissenting and critical voices," it added.  The Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha and writers Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Urmilesh were brought to the special cell offices in the national capital on Tuesday as part of the investigation.  Earlier, on August 10, a report in the New York Times had alleged that NewsClick was part of a global network that receives funding from American billionaire Neville Roy Singham. Singham is known as a socialist benefactor of far-left causes, is at the centre of a lavishly funded influence campaign that defends China and pushes its propaganda. Singham is also said to have close ties with the Chinese government's media machine.
—ANI

As Delhi Police's Special Cell raided the residences of senior journalists associated with the online portal NewsClick

"Definitely would have been done on evidence basis": Union Minister Anurag Thakur on raids on NewsClick

Bhubaneshwar (Odisha): A fire broke out at the Lok Seva Bhawan, the Odisha Secretariat in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday with firefighters managing to douse the blaze. The fire broke out on the first floor of the building in which the office of the Revenue Department is located.
Fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and managed to put out the blaze.
<img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/bhuw.webp" alt="Lok Seva Bhawan" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>
According to a press statement from the Fire Department, there was no injury or major damage as fire personnel managed to completely put out the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, preliminary reports suggest that it may have been caused by a short circuit. Further information is awaited. —ANI

A fire broke out at the Lok Seva Bhawan, the Odisha Secretariat in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday with firefighters managing to douse the blaze.

Fire breaks out at Odisha secretariat, doused 

Bhubaneswar (Odisha): The Odisha assembly monsoon session was adjourned till 4 pm on Saturday amid a huge ruckus. BJP MLAs protested, and started shouting in the assembly demanding the withdrawal of suspension against two BJP MLAs Mohan Charan Majhi and Dr Mukesh Mahaling who were suspended for throwing pulses at the speaker's podium. The BJP MLAs held posters and demanded the withdrawal of the suspension of fellow BJP MLAs.
Amid the hugs uproar, the speaker Pramila Mallik adjourned the proceedings of the house till 4 pm. Two MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) including Chief Whip Opposition Mohan Charan Majhi and Mukesh Mahaling were suspended from the Monsoon Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly for throwing 'pulses' at Speaker Pramila Mallik's podium on Thursday.
The disciplinary action was reportedly taken till the end of the current assembly session, October 4 on the instructions of the Speaker of the House Pramila Mallik. The monsoon session of the Odisha Assembly commenced on September 22. According to the sources, the two legislators were suspended for allegedly throwing pulses at the Speaker's podium while the business was underway in the House on Thursday. Earlier, Senior Biju Janta Dal leader Pramila Mallik was elected the new speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly unopposed last week. She became the first Women Speaker of the State. Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik nominated Mallik as the candidate for the post. Speaking to ANI Pramila Mallik said, "I am very happy to be elected as Speaker, I would like to thank Chief Minister and Party President Naveen Patnaik who has always been at the forefront of women empowerment on social as well as political front. The monsoon session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly began on 22nd September and since then the house has been adjourned more than half a dozen times.&nbsp;
—ANI

The Odisha assembly monsoon session was adjourned till 4 pm on Saturday amid a huge ruckus.

Amid huge uproar, Odisha Legislative Assembly adjourned till 4 pm

Bhubaneswar: An official reported that at least 10 persons were killed by lightning in six districts of Odisha on Saturday, a day that also saw significant rainfall.
Khurda district saw four deaths, Bolangir saw two, and Angul, Boudh, Jagatsinghpur, and Dhenkanal all saw one, according to the office of the special relief commissioner.
It further stated that three people in Khurda were hurt by lightning.—Inputs from Agencies

An official reported that at least 10 persons were killed by lightning in six districts of Odisha on Saturday, a day that also saw significant rainfall.

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No alliance with BJD, BJP to contest solo in Odisha

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Odisha

No alliance with BJD, BJP to contest solo in Odisha

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