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Tribal Leader Mohan Charan Majhi Swears-In as CM of Odisha

June 12, 2024, 8:42 pm

Mohan Charan Majhi, a prominent tribal leader and four-time MLA, has assumed office as the new Chief Minister of Odisha, marking a significant political shift in the state. This move comes as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a clear mandate in the assembly elections, ending the 24-year reign of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Naveen Patnaik. At 52 years old, Majhi succeeds Patnaik, the longtime BJD supremo.

Accompanying Majhi in his new role are his deputies, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, a six-time legislator, and Prabhati Parida, a debutant MLA. They were sworn in by Governor Raghubar Das in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar.

The BJP’s victory in the Odisha Assembly elections saw them secure 78 seats out of 147, while the BJD managed 51 seats. With this power shift, the BJP formed its first-ever government in the state.

It’s a historic day in Odisha! With the blessings of my sisters and brothers of Odisha, @BJP4Odisha is forming its first-ever government in the state.

I attended the swearing-in ceremony in Bhubaneswar. Congratulations to Shri Mohan Charan Majhi on taking oath as CM and to Shri… pic.twitter.com/KOYTk7Epfb

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2024

Expressing his congratulations to Odisha’s new Chief Minister, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the historic significance of this moment, emphasizing the blessings and support of the people of Odisha. He underscored his confidence in the leadership of Mohan Charan Majhi, along with his deputies, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and expressed optimism for the state’s future development under their stewardship.

Majhi’s appointment as Chief Minister makes him the third tribal leader to hold this position in Odisha’s history, following in the footsteps of Congress’s Hemananda Biswal and Giridhar Gamang.

The strategic selection of Majhi and his deputies reflects the BJP’s aim to maintain regional balance, with Majhi hailing from Keonjhar in northern Odisha, Deo from the western region, and Parida from the coastal areas.

In a gesture of goodwill and inclusivity, hours before the swearing-in ceremony, Majhi visited former CM Naveen Patnaik and extended a formal invitation to him, symbolizing a spirit of cooperation and respect across party lines.

Odisha CM Naveen Pattanaik Quits After Defeat, BJP To Make Government

June 5, 2024, 4:54 pm

Witnessing a defeat with a huge margin in both state assembly and parliamentary elections, former Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has recently tendered his resignation to state governor Raghubar Das at Bhubaneswar’s Raj Bhavan on Wednesday.

Breaching BJD’s fortress, Bharatiya Janata Party, has recently won 78 seats in the 147-seat assembly.

While in contrast, BJD had gotten only 51 seats, which was below the mark of 74, and other parties like Indian national congress had acquired only 14 seats.

Meanwhile in the Lok sabha elections, BJP performed well, as it managed to secure 20 seats, out of 21 parliamentary seats, with one seat won by congress.

The counting of Lok Sabha elections was conducted on Tuesday. As per ECI (Election Commission of India), the BJP will form the government, but with a reduced majority, as the ruling party has secured only 240 seats, which is lower than its 2019 count.

On the other hand, the Congress has increased its tally to 99 seats, with the INDIA Bloc as a whole crossing the 230-mark, contrary to predictions made by exit polls. Thus, registering a strong growth.

Although the BJP has secured a third term, it will need to rely on the support of other parties, notably JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.

“Will Observe Fast As Penance To Lord Jagannath”: BJP’s Sambit Patra Apologetic For ‘Slip Of Tongue’ In Puri

May 21, 2024, 3:40 am

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra found himself embroiled in controversy over remarks regarding Lord Jagannath. He clarified, expressing regret for his slip of the tongue and vowed to seek forgiveness through penance in the name of Lord Jagannath.

Patra, BJP’s candidate from Puri Lok Sabha seat, sparked a dispute in Odisha by stating to a local news channel that “Lord Jagannath is a devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” later attributing it to a verbal slip.

Explaining the incident to ANI, Patra mentioned the context of giving multiple media bytes after Prime Minister Modi’s roadshow in Puri. In the midst of the crowd and noise, he unintentionally made the contradictory statement. He emphasized that no one in their right mind would assert that a deity is a devotee of a human.

Acknowledging that some sentiments were hurt, Patra asserted his apology and decision to observe fasting as penance, emphasizing his devotion to Lord Jagannath.

During the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election and the second phase of the Odisha Assembly election, Patra’s unintended comment drew sharp criticism from Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who deemed it an insult to the Lord and Odia identity.

In response, Patra urged not to amplify a non-existent issue and reminded that slip of the tongue happens to everyone. He also faced criticism from Congress, which demanded an apology.

Prime Minister Modi’s roadshow in Puri included Sambit Patra. Patra, who lost in 2019, is now contesting against Congress’ Jaya Narayan Patnayak and BJD’s Arup Patnaik.

Jagannath Temple’s Missing Keys: Political Drama Unfolds Over Sacred Treasures

May 20, 2024, 10:47 pm

In April 2018, Jagannath temple officials couldn’t find the Ratna Bhandar keys during a court-mandated inspection. This stirred controversy and drew attention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his public addresses.

Modi highlighted the missing keys issue during his visit to the temple, alleging the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) suppressed a judicial commission report. He emphasized the Ratna Bhandar’s significance, holding offerings from devotees worldwide.

Patnaik ordered a judicial inquiry, and while the commission submitted its report in November 2018, it remains unpublished. The discovery of an envelope labeled “duplicate keys” added fuel to the controversy.

Modi accused the BJD of hiding the commission’s report for six years, promising to reveal it if the BJP gained power in Odisha. This issue remained central to Modi and other BJP leaders’ election campaign.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also pledged to disclose the report, while BJP President JP Nadda promised an investigation into the missing keys and vowed transparency regarding the Ratna Bhandar’s treasures.

BJP leaders stressed the cultural and religious significance of the Jagannath temple to Odisha’s people, urging transparency. Meanwhile, the BJD relied on a committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Arijit Pasayat to oversee the Ratna Bhandar’s inventory, as mandated by the Orissa High Court.

The Ratna Bhandar, housing treasures donated over centuries, comprises inner and outer chambers categorized under Sri Jagannath Temple Rules. According to temple regulations, it must undergo inventory every three years, with the last audit in 1978 revealing substantial offerings.

BJD Releases 5th Set of Candidates for Odisha Assembly polls, CM to contest from Kantabanji

April 17, 2024, 4:34 pm

On Wednesday, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) unveiled its fifth roster of contenders for the 2024 Odisha Assembly Elections. Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik will vie for the Kantabanji seat alongside his established stronghold of Hinjili. Other candidates include Laxmipriya Nayak for Chitrakonda, Barsa Singh Bariha for Padampur, Rajendra Chhatria for Kuchinda, Arundhati Kumari Devi for Deogarh, Sanjukta Singh for Angul, and Dilip Kumar Nayak for Nimapara. Sulkhnsa Gitanjali Devi and Indira Nanda will compete for Sanakhemundi and Jeypore respectively.

Additionally, the BJD has exchanged two MLA nominees, with Rohit Pujari now contesting from Sambalpur and Prasanna Acharya from Rairakhol. Previously, Naveen Patnaik announced the fourth list of nine candidates for the Odisha Assembly elections and one for the Lok Sabha elections, with Lekhasri Samantasinghar slated for the Balasore Lok Sabha seat. The party also established a 38-member manifesto committee for the Lok Sabha elections, chaired by Berhampur MP and BJD Vice-President Chandrashekhar Sahu.

In the 2019 Assembly polls, the BJD secured 112 seats, with Naveen Patnaik becoming CM for the fifth consecutive time since 2000. The Odisha elections will coincide with the Lok Sabha elections, spanning four phases from May 13 to June 1, with results announced on June 4.

BJD unveils 1 candidate for LS elections, 9 for Odisha assembly polls

April 11, 2024, 8:06 pm

Odisha Chief Minister and leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Naveen Patnaik, revealed the fourth roster comprising nine candidates for the upcoming Odisha Assembly polls and one candidate for the Lok Sabha elections.

According to sources within the BJD party, Lekhasri Samantasinghar has been nominated to contest from the Balasore Lok Sabha constituency.

According to sources within the BJD, the candidates nominated for the Odisha Assembly Elections are as follows: Prabhu Jani for Laxmipur, Gitanjali Routray for Paradip, Prasanna Acharya for Sambalpur, Rohit Pujari for Rairakhol, Madhab Sardar for Telkoi, Braja Pradhan for Talcher, Manorama Mohanty for Narla, Chakramani Kanhar for Baliguda, and Ananta N Jena for BBSR-Central.

Earlier on Wednesday, the BJD announced the formation of a 38-member manifesto committee for the Lok Sabha elections. The committee’s task will involve engaging with diverse segments of society, across various regions and age groups, to craft a comprehensive manifesto.

Berhampur MP and BJD Vice-President Chandrashekhar Sahu has been assigned the role of chairman of the committee.

Debi Prasad Mishra, Pratap Deb, Saudam Marndi, Mangala Kissan, Padmanav Behera, and Kasturi Mohapatra have been named as Co-chairmen of the committee.

Earlier on Thursday, Patnaik revealed the second list of candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha.

Significantly, during the 2019 Assembly polls, BJD achieved a remarkable triumph, clinching 112 seats, consequently facilitating Naveen Patnaik’s fifth consecutive term as CM since 2000.

The Election Commission declared that elections in Odisha will coincide with the Lok Sabha elections and will be conducted in four phases. Phase one is scheduled for May 13, followed by Phase two on May 20, Phase three on May 25, and the final Phase on June 1.

The results are set to be announced on June 4.

BJD unveils 38-member manifesto committee ahead of LS polls

April 10, 2024, 9:01 pm

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) revealed a 38-member manifesto committee on Wednesday for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This committee will engage with diverse sectors of society, spanning various regions and age groups, to draft the party’s manifesto.

Chandrashekhar Sahu, the Vice-President of BJD and MP for Berhampur, has been named as the chairman of the committee.

Debi Prasad Mishra, Pratap Deb, Saudam Marndi, Mangala Kissan, Padmanav Behera, and Kasturi Mohapatra have been designated as Co-chairpersons of the committee.

Previously, on Thursday, BJD President and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik disclosed the second list of candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha.

CM Naveen Patnaik declared BJD candidates for five Lok Sabha seats: Surendra Singh Bhoi (Balangir), Manjulata Mandal (Bhadrak), Parineeta Mishra (Bargarh), Bhrugu Baxipatra (Berhampur), and Dhanurjay Siddu (Keonjhar). Additionally, the names of 27 candidates for simultaneous assembly polls were also unveiled.

Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its initial list of 112 candidates for the assembly polls in Odisha. Among them, Jayanta Kumar Sarangi has been nominated from Puri, Prakash Chandra Sethi from Cuttack Sadar, and Jagannath Pradhan from Bhubaneswar Central.

Significantly, in the 2019 Assembly polls, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) clinched a substantial triumph with 112 seats, leading to Naveen Patnaik’s fifth consecutive term as CM since 2000.

The Election Commission declared that elections in Odisha would coincide with the Lok Sabha elections and would be conducted in four phases. Phase one is scheduled for May 13, phase two for May 20, phase three for May 25, and the final phase for June 1.

The results are slated to be announced on June 4.

Odisha: Surendra Singh Bhoi quits Congress, joins Biju Janata Dal

March 29, 2024, 4:15 pm

Surendra Singh Bhoi, formerly the district Congress Committee (DCC) president of Balangir district, switched allegiance to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha polls. Bhoi formally joined the BJD at Sankha Bhawan after resigning from his positions within the Congress, including his primary membership and the post of President DCC, Balangir, as well as his AICC membership. Notably, Bhoi’s departure from the Congress marked the end of his 38-year-long association with the party.

This development occurred shortly after Cuttack MP Bhatruhari Mahtab and ex-MP Siddharth Mohapatra joined the BJP in Delhi, with Mahtab having previously resigned from the BJD on March 22. Mahtab, a six-time MP representing the Cuttack Lok Sabha seat since 1998, has been a prominent figure in Odisha politics.

In the past Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, the BJD emerged as the dominant party in the state, securing 20 out of the 21 seats, with the BJP winning a single seat. In the subsequent 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJD again secured the most seats, followed by the BJP and the Congress, with the BJD winning 12 seats, the BJP securing 8 seats, and the Congress managing to secure just one seat.

The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, comprising 21 constituencies, are scheduled to be conducted in four phases, with voting dates set for May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.

Parliaments winter session: 14 opposition MPs suspended from Lok Sabha

December 14, 2023, 5:02 pm

Following the suspension of five Congress members of the Lok Sabha for the duration of the winter session earlier on Thursday, nine additional opposition MPs were also suspended for the same period from the House due to their “unruly conduct.” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi moved the motion to suspend nine opposition Members of Parliament: Benny Behanan, VK Sreekandan, Mohammad Jawed, PR Natarajan, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, K Subrahmanyam, SR Parthiban, S Venkatesan, and Manickam Tagore? The House adjourned earlier, and the MPs were suspended shortly after it reconvened at 3 pm. Later on in the day, the House was adjourned.

Earlier, five Congress members were suspended from Lok Sabha for “unruly behaviour” for the remainder of the winter session.
Joshi had moved motion for their suspension.
He moved the motion after apprising the House of the steps taken in the wake of yesterday’s incident of a security breach in which two men jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitor’s gallery.
The opposition has been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah.
The motion was moved soon after the House met at 2 pm following an adjournment earlier in the day. Joshi moved the motion to suspend Congress MPs – TN Prathapan, Hibi Eden, S Jothimani, Ramya Haridas and Dean Kuriakose – for the remainder of the winter session, which will conclude on December 22.
BJD’s Bhartruhari Mahtab was on the chair when the motion was moved and adopted amid sloganeering by opposition members.

Joshi stated that a high-level investigation into yesterday’s incident has been started after Speaker Om Birla wrote to the Home Secretary requesting one. He recounted old incidents, such as papers being thrown from the visitor’s gallery; these regrettable events had also happened in the past. He urged the opposition to refrain from “politicizing” the matter. Derek O’Brien of the Trinamool Congress has been suspended for the rest of the Rajya Sabha session due to “gross misconduct.” On December 22, the winter session of Parliament will come to an end.

BJD in Lok Sabha : “Though we are against BJP, cannot support no-confidence motion”

August 8, 2023, 5:03 pm

The opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. brought a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government on Tuesday, but Biju Janata Dal (BJD) refused to support it, claiming that it would be “resoundingly defeated.”

BJD MP Pinaki Misra said that his party cannot support the no-trust motion as the Central government has done many things for Odisha.
“I cannot support a No-Confidence Motion against a Central Government today, even though we are against the BJP as a political party…I am grateful for the many things that the Central Government has done for Odisha which is why, in any case, I am unable to persuade myself on behalf of my party and leader to support a No Confidence Motion today which has been brought by the Congress party,” BJP MP Misra said in Lok Sabha.
He further said that the motion which was brought by the Congress will not benefit the party.

“I have no doubt that the no-confidence motion against the PM Modi-led government will be resoundingly defeated and it will be rejected. I think it will not at all benefit the Congress to have brought this motion at this point of time,” he added.
The debate on the no-confidence motion was initiated by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, with heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches.
Further, hitting out at the Congress party, BJP MP Pinaki Misra said that the grand old party is “adept” at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Nevertheless, because of the majority that Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies hold in parliament, his administration won’t lose the vote. Opposition leaders assert that Modi will be forced to address the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur state during the debate.

“BJP won’t miss a chance…”: AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj warns BJD, YSRCP as they support Centre on Delhi Services Bill

August 2, 2023, 11:03 am

AAP leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday warned the Biju Janata Dal (JDU) and YSRCP, who have endorsed the Centre on the Bill replacing the Ordinance for the control of Services in the national capital, that the BJP wouldn’t miss out on a chance to overthrow governments in states they currently rule.

While the YSRCP, led by Jaganmohan Raddy, is in charge in Andhra Pradesh, the BJD, under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is in charge in Odisha. Bharadwaj said, “Some parties in the Opposition, including the BJD and YSRCP, among others, are aiding the BJP in Parliament,” in an interview with ANI on Wednesday. These parties might be motivated by their own political objectives. But the BJP won’t think twice to overthrow state governments whenever they see an opportunity to do so.

As the Lok Sabha reconvenes on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will move The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 for consideration and passage.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Biju Janata Dal MP Sasmit Patra told that the party will support the government on the Delhi Services Bill.
The BJD’s official stand came as a blow to the united Opposition, which has been trying to cobble up a majority to defeat the Bill in the Rajya Sabha.