News from Odisha

In Bhubaneswar, pirated NCERT books valued over Rs 10 lakh were seized from a book store following student complaints.

BJP leader and Tripura’s former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb urged people to vote for the BJP for a double-engine government in the state.

As per political analysts, the support of Bengali voters is important for any candidate to win the election as they generally vote in favour of a single party unanimously based on certain issues.

Supporters of Samir Dash, an MLA from Nimapara, protested against BJD's decision to cancel his ticket for the upcoming election.

Following stern actions by the ECI on the erring officials, some other officials remote-controlled by the State government are reportedly in a fix.

Fire Services department personnel and Forest Department staff struggled to control the blaze amidst scorching heat, complicating their efforts.

The Prime Minister’s visits to Odisha assume importance after he said in an interview with a private channel that Odia language and Odisha’s ‘Asmita’ are under threat. 

S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of a BJP government in Odisha to align with Modi's administration for effective collaboration. He highlighted the cultural significance of Odisha at the G-20 meeting, showcasing the Konark Wheel replica. The minister also noted ongoing central support for Odisha's development, despite some schemes like Ayushman Bharat not being implemented.

In the first phase of the 2024 Odisha elections, 19% of candidates have criminal cases, according to an ADR and Odisha Election Watch report.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts strong gusty winds, reaching 40-50 kmph, along the North Odisha coast from May 6 to May 8. Fishermen are advised to avoid the sea during this period. A rise in thunderstorm activities may lower temperatures by 3-5 degrees.

Naima Khatoon has been appointed as the first woman Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, receiving approvals from President Droupadi Murmu and the Election Commission. A native of Jajpur, Odisha, she previously served as the principal of AMU's Women's College.

The IMD predicts a significant temperature drop in Odisha due to upcoming thunderstorms, offering a break from an intense 18-day heat wave. Thunderstorms are expected across various parts, especially coastal districts within the next 24 hours.

Top BJP leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, are set to visit Odisha for crucial pre-election activities. They will release the party's manifesto and engage with local intellectuals. These visits aim to enhance BJP's electoral prospects and address issues like the preservation of Odia culture and proper utilization of central funds.

In his address, Patnaik said, “The opposition is telling lies and its leaders are shedding crocodile tears. Bless me and BJD’s MLA and MP candidates.”

Sucharita Mohanty, the Congress candidate for Puri Lok Sabha, returned her ticket citing insufficient campaign funds from the party; said, despite efforts like a public donation drive and minimized spending, she struggled financially and could not sustain an impactful campaign.