Besides Munda, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal was also present in the second round of discussions with farmer leaders in Chandigarh.
"There was a serious discussion with farmers on every topic. The government wants to bring every solution through talks. We reached an agreement on some issues. But there were some issues for which we said that a committee should be made for a permanent solution," Munda told the media after the meeting.
"Any issue can be resolved through discussion. We are hopeful that we will bring solutions. Our motive is that the rights of the farmers and the public are protected," Munda, who was accompanying Goyal, said.
"The meeting between Union Ministers and farmer representatives ended with no agreement reached on important concerns," Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) Coordinator Jagjit Singh Dallewal told the media.
"No new proposal came. Those were all old proposals. We didn’t want any confrontation. We wanted discussions on every point. But the government is not straight. It just wants to waste our time. They asked for more time. We told the government to take the decision. They did not take any decision. Our protest will continue. We will move towards Delhi on February 13 from 10 a.m.," he added.
Ranjeet Singh Raju, a farmer leader from Rajasthan, said they would march to Delhi on Tuesday. "The government offered to form a committee and promised to engage us in a discourse. This discussion has been going on for quite some time now. Our supporters would begin moving towards Delhi at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday)," he said.
The Union Minister issued this directive to the DRM while inspecting the railway station on Sunday. Since the British Raj, the name of the railway station is being written as ‘Balasore’. The correct spelling of the railway station will be carried out, he insisted.
Speaking to the media, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “A clear decision was taken to rectify the wrong spelling of the name Balasore in English with correct spelling in accordance with the spelling in Hindi and Odia. The English spelling of ‘Balasore’ as mentioned at the Railway station is wrong. If you go and see, the spelling of the name is being corrected. The process for correct spelling of the name will be completed in two or three days.”
The Union Minister also said that a foot over bridge (FOB) as demanded by passengers for a long time will be completed in five to six months. This will be done on a war footing, he assured.
During his visit to the Balasore district headquarters hospital, he donated a life-support ambulance before visiting the AIIMS satellite hospital.
“While the Central government has been providing rice free of cost to the people, the state government is taking the credit for it,” he observed while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra at Mahulapali in Sambalpur on Monday.
Asserting that nearly 3.25 crore people in Odisha are supplied rice free of cost on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he alleged, "The Odisha government is taking credit for it by hanging posters with state government logo and some photographs of the leaders. Such posters are found at retail outlets. This is sheer cheating. Such deceit should not be done in a democratic system.”
Pradhan, however, claimed that the people have understood such cheating and will increasingly repose their faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Report by Debendra Behera
Pointing out the mess in the public healthcare in the region, the Union Minister said that there are no doctors at the hospitals in Kesaibahal, Bamra, Mahulpali and Kuchinda. “As the healthcare is in a shambles, the state government is solely responsible for the mess,” he stated.
On being asked if he will contest from the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat, Pradhan tactically evaded the question, saying, “It is not a personal choice. The party will decide who will fight elections from where.”
It was earlier speculated that he may contest from Dhenkanal Lok Sabha seat, given his frequent visits to the district.
Replying to another question, the Union Minister told the media that a Kendriya Vidyalaya would be set up in Kuchinda.
No comments have been received from the State government.
As for the ongoing speculation, the Union Minister said, “I am a disciplined member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). I carry out whatever task is assigned to me by the party.”
“All of you know, my party sent me to Madhya Pradesh a few days ago. I did what I was asked to do there,” he said while tactically evading the question.
However, he did not completely rule out the possibility that he would be fielded in the Cuttack parliamentary seat. A few weeks ago, it was earlier being speculated that Vaishnaw might throw his hat into the ring in the Balsore parliamentary segment which is now represented by Pratap Sarangi.
When the Union Minister arrived as Baba Dhabaleswar peetha, he was accorded a grand welcome by the priests who apprised him of the need for the re-development of the age-old shrine. He discussed with all the priests and assured them to turn the Temple into a tourist destination for devotees.
He stated that he was blessed to get the opportunity of having darshan of Baba Dhabaleswar.
After his temple visit, Vaishnaw left for Athgarh, Badamba, and Narsinghpur.
Meghwal further said that the recommendations of the Chief Minister, Chief Justice of the respective state, and subsequently recommendation of the Chief Justice of India are needed for the establishment of a High Court bench.
The Union Minister added, “At present, a lot of development is taking place in the e-courts project. Odisha is also doing better than others as far as the e-courts project is concerned. Through e-courts, if we provide virtual facilities, it is similar to High Court bench facilities.”
The Union Minister also pointed out that the state government has to provide necessary infrastructural facilities for the establishment of a Bench of the High Court away from its principal seat as well as the entire expenditure of the High Court and its Bench. The Chief Justice of the High Court is required to look after the day-to-day administration of the High Court and its Bench and depute Judges from the Principal Seat to the Bench from time to time, he added.
As per the data furnished by the Ministry of Law & Justice, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote a letter to the Union Government on September 5, 2018, and January 11, 2019, about the HC bench issue. Replying to the CM, the then Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had advised him to submit a detailed report with the opinion of the HC, the site for the bench, building, and quarters for the judges, to the Union Government.
The ministry pointed out that the state government did not make any effort to obtain the High Court's opinion and other requirements sought by the Union Government.
The Minister alleged that the Naveen Patnaik government is not committed to the causes of Western Odisha and is being a hurdle in setting up the Permanent Bench of the Orissa High Court. He further alleged that the Odisha government is shying away from the responsibility of establishing a permanent bench of the Orissa High Court in Western Odisha.
"The State government had constituted the C R Pal Commission to study the feasibility of the High Court Bench. The commission submitted its report to the government on March 31, 2014. However, the CR Pal Commission report has not yet been made public. What exactly the Odisha Government is trying to hide?" the minister questioned.
On the other hand, senior BJD leader, Prasanna Acharya said, “There has been a demand for a permanent bench of Orissa High Court in Western Odisha. We hope that the Centre will fulfil the hopes and aspirants of scores of people of Western Odisha.”
Speaking to OTV, the Union Minister made his observation of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and the BJP’s plan for Odisha.
“Jai Jagannath! Koti Koti pranam to the people of Odisha! I took part in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra during which we got good responses and affection. The people wholeheartedly participated in the yatra to make it successful,” he observed, terming the people of Odisha as very honest and simple.
Saying that Assam and Odisha have age-old links, the Union Minister added that the people of Assam always yearn to visit Puri, the land of Lord Jagannath as Mahapurush Srimant Shankar Devji came to Odisha and had the darshan of Lord Jagannath. Since then, Assam and Odisha have been sharing a bond and people in his state have still that devotion for Lord Jagannath intact, he noted.
He also said that prominent literary figure of Assam Lakshminath Bezbaruah who embodied the creative and intellectual revival of modern India, had built a house in Sambalpur. When he was the Chief Minister of Assam, he urged the Odisha government to renovate that house.
As for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Sonowal said that the Yatra assumes much importance of the Modi guarantee, as the Prime Minister wants to ensure that the benefits of all government programmes and schemes reach the people.
In the last nine years, the Prime Minister has fulfilled the guarantee that he had made earlier and because of this India has emerged as one of the developed economies in the world.
He claimed that the people of the country believe in the ‘Modi guarantee’ and the BJP will form the government in Odisha as party workers have been putting all their efforts in this direction. A change in the political spectrum will happen, he added.
Sonowal also urged the Odisha government to come forward to implement Ayush Yojana and cooperate, as the scheme is meant for common people. “Janata is Janadran(people are god). The government should be inspired by the sense of humanity. Both (the state and the centre) should come together to serve the country. Seva, Susasan and Garibi Kalyan (Service, Good Governance and Welfare of the Poor) is the main principle of the NDA government. People are happy,” he said.
When asked why the BJP has failed to form the government in Odisha, the Union Minister said,” Our government will be formed as all our MPs, MLAs, Ministers, booth level workers and leaders are making efforts. I believe, our government will be formed in Odisha one day. People want development through change. ”
Report by Bhabanishankar Mishra
Speaking to the media, the Union Minister pointed an accusing finger at the state government for 'lack of cooperation' for a mega park project. She observed, "Odisha has got a huge potential in the textiles sector, but the cooperation from the state government was not made available. If the state government extends cooperation, the textile sector in Odisha can be taken forward.
“We had received applications from various states, but Odisha did not make a bid and refrained from the competition. We had made the process completely transparent. The state’s share is 51 percent of the mega project. The mega project requires 1000 acres of land as part of an ecosystem involving production, manpower, value chains, and marketing linkage,” the Union Minister added.
However, the ruling Biju Janata Dal(BJD) termed the statement of the Union Minister as politically motivated and accused the Central government of negligence toward the state.
Countering the Union Minister, BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo said, "The Chief Minister has repeatedly sent proposals through letters. The Central government has been intimated about the proposal at various forums. However, the Central government has been neglecting Odisha out of political acrimony.”
He also pointed out that if the state government is not cooperating, then why the Central government is awarding the state for schemes in various sectors.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who oversees skill development, entrepreneurship, electronics, and information technology in India, expressed serious concern over a recent case where AI tools were used to morph videos, replacing faces from politicians to celebrities, causing widespread alarm.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted the rising issue of Deepfakes, emphasising the significant challenge it poses in spreading misinformation.
He acknowledged the government's awareness of the disturbing phenomenon of misinformation, which includes the weaponisation of false information to create misleading narratives.
Chandrasekhar expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for bringing attention to this issue and assured ongoing efforts to regulate misinformation, but he stressed that Deepfake, combining AI with misinformation, is a growing concern for individuals, society, and nations.
Regarding the detection of Deepfakes, Chandrasekhar mentioned the constant innovation in technology, acknowledging that as advancements occur, so do potential harms.
He drew parallels with past instances, such as blockchain and crypto-related crimes, and explained that governments must stay ahead of technological developments to protect citizens.
The Minister expressed confidence in detecting Deepfakes, citing ongoing efforts and the development of startups in India dedicated to this cause.
Chandrasekhar outlined the government's approach to handling violations on internet platforms, including the appointment of a Rule Seven officer to facilitate citizen reports of law violations.
#WATCH | On Deep fake issue, MoS Electronics & Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, "The Rule Seven officer will also be a person who will create a platform where it will be very easy for citizens to bring to the attention of the Government of India their notices or allegations… pic.twitter.com/AHiATR6DD4
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023
He emphasised the importance of clarity in government expectations from platforms on the Indian internet.
The Minister also mentioned summoning major online platforms, including Google, Facebook, YouTube, and others, on November 24, warning of severe consequences if they fail to remove Deepfakes promptly.
Durga Puja is the biggest festival in West Bengal and Shah visited the state during the festivities in the past too.
The home minister will inaugurate a Durga Puja pandal at Sealdah on October 16, the sources said.
While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly started its groundwork to broaden its base for the upcoming elections across the state, the latest development has hung the political future of the incumbent MP Nitesh Ganga Deb in balance.
Notably, BJP stalwart and Leader of Opposition Jaynarayan Mishra and party legislator Nauri Nayak had earlier pointed to the Sambalpur LS seat as the safest one for the Union Minister, thus undermining discussions that Pradhan would explore electoral possibilities in the Dhenakanal LS seat.
The latest one to strongly advocate Sambalpur seat for the Union Minister is Deogarh MLA, Subash Panigrahi, who has stiffly opposed the candidature of present MP Nitesh Ganga Deb. Panigrahi also alleged that the MP’s popularity has declined as the latter has not worked for the people. The people in Sambalpur are disenchanted with the MP, the MLA claimed.
Panigrahi also asserted that whoever will contest against Dharmendra Pradhan in Sambalpur will certainly bite the dust while his party will perform well in western Odisha.
While the BJP is reportedly laying focus on western Odisha, Panigrahi has claimed that if Dharmendra contests the election from Sambalpur, the party will gain electorally in the western region.
On the other hand, keeping this development in view, the Biju Janata Dal(BJD) has gone on an overdrive, initiating its counter strategy. BJD's organizational secretary, Pranab Prakash Das on Thursday visited Sambalpur where he held a closed-door meeting with party cadres to strengthen the party organisation.
He alleged that while a "chicken thief" can be punished, an official who runs a mineral mafia cannot be touched as the system protects him.
The union minister of state for tribal affairs and jalshakti made the remarks while addressing a gathering as chief guest at the golden jubilee function of a government school at Baliapal in Balasore district.
He was heard making the controversial statement in a viral video. PTI could not verify the authenticity of the video clip.
“I had an idea that those who are appointed through UPSC ... they are the most knowledgeable persons and are always in high positions. But now, I feel that most of those who have qualified from there perhaps are dacoits. I do not say 100 per cent, but many of them are dacoits,” Tudu asserted.
The UPSC is the country’s premier central recruitment commission, which functions as an independent body and appoints top government officers.
The minister, who is an MP of Odisha, said the UPSC office is just behind his residence in Delhi, and initially he had high regard for it but that has changed now.
During his speech, Tudu also asked: “Why is our society engulfed in corruption and injustice if such educated people are there?”.
“It is because of lack of morality in our education system. Lack of spiritual education and thoughts among us.”.
The minister had also stoked controversy in 2021 by accusing state government officials of misbehaving with him in his constituency in Mayurbhanj.
Four people were also injured in the incident that took place at the event to commemorate Ambedkar Jayanti in Bhim Nagri area under Sadar police station area on Friday, the police said.
Around 9.30 pm, strong winds started blowing due to which an iron mast on which lights had been installed fell on the dignitaries seated on the stage during the programme, they said.
At the time of the incident, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal, who was the chief guest at the event, was delivering a speech from the stage, they added.
Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs and culture Arjun Ram Meghwal had a narrow escape after a heavy light stand fell down following hail storm in #Agra. He was a chief guest to attend Dr Bheem Rao Ambedkar Jayanti. At least 6 people were #injured in the mishap. pic.twitter.com/spMx7ZaU6a
— Anuja Jaiswal (@AnujaJaiswalTOI) April 15, 2022
Station House Officer, Sadar police station, Dharmendra Dahiya said on Saturday that one person was killed and four others were injured in the incident.
"The deceased was identified as Rajesh Kumar (50), a local resident," he said.
The injured were taken to local hospitals for treatment, the police said.
According to an eyewitness, the iron mast fell on dignitaries, BJP leaders, event organisers and others seated on the stage.
Balyan was on a visit to Koraput to review the Centre's developmental works being implemented in the aspirational district. However, he was left dejected after the district Collector and local MLA gave the meeting a miss and he had to manage with the Project Director of the DRDA instead.
Expressing his displeasure, Balyan told reporters, “I was here to review the developmental works in the district. Though I had a meeting, it would have been better had the Collector and MLA present there.”
“I had great expectations from the local representative but he did not turn up to the meeting too. We may belong to different political parties but our aim should be the same, to serve the people of Odisha and Koraput in particular,” Balyan said.
Balyan urged the district authority and the political leaders to not repeat such kind of behaviour in future and cooperate with the Centre to formulate better schemes for the upliftment of the down-trodden.
“PM Modi has made schemes for the development of people. These schemes have nothing to do with politics,” Balyan added.
As per reports, the Koraput district administration was intimated about the visit of the Union Minister four days back.
"Honourable Prime Minister had declared to repeal the three farm laws to honour the farmers' demand. There is no proposal or plan to bring back the farm laws," Tomar said.
Tomar's remark at Nagpur on Friday that farm laws would be brought back -- "We had brought in the farm laws, but a few people were not happy with it...We moved a step back and we will move forward (on farm laws). Farmers are the backbone of India" -- had drawn criticism from opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Saturday, "The Agriculture Minister has insulted the apology sought by (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi."
Tomar, in a statement, "Congress has been trying to mislead people to hide their own failures. The farmers should be wary of such attempts."
Stating that the Swaminathan Committee report was submitted in 2006 but the then Congress government sat on the report instead of implementing the recommendations therein, Tomar said, "Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, we have implemented the recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee."
He also recounted the various steps taken by the Modi government over the last seven years to bring in farm sector reforms. "Farmers are being empowered through the payment of Rs 6,000. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Bima Yojana has come as a boon for the farmers facing losses due to natural disasters. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund worth Rs one lakh crore and 10,000 farmer producers companies (FPOs) have led to innovations in the farm sector."
As per reports, the Union Minister undertook the risky trek on the bamboo bridge at midnight to meet the tribal community residing in Bajana Adibasi Sahi under Bahanaga Sauda Panchayat of the district. Tudu had to travel on the temporary bridge as there is no permanent bridge connecting the place with the outside world.
During his visit, he learned about the troubles faced by the community after discussing with the residents. Afterwards, he put up the problems of electricity connection and motorable road, for easy connectivity, with the respective departmental authorities over the phone. Tudu assured the villagers to redress the troubles as soon as possible.
"These villagers are still far away from minimum basic facilities. There is no proper road for commutation and I have taken up this issue with the Block Development Officer (BDO). A pucca road will be built as immediate relief. The responsible authorities of both the departments have assured to address the issues as soon as possible," said Tudu.
Speaking about the bamboo bridge, Tudu said, "I got to know that construction works on the permanent bridge came to a halt following incessant rainfall in the area. The works have resumed and the problem will be solved soon."
During his visit, Tudu joined the tribals and danced to the beats of their traditional musical instrument.
The Minister informed that the construction work of the ongoing railway projects in the state will be given priority for speedy and early completion. Vaishnaw also stated that the Khordha Road-Balangir Rail Line is being constructed from both ends to facilitate it’s early completion.
Construction work from Bichhupalli to Sonepur and from Mahipur to Nuagaon/Dasapalla is in full swing, the Minister added.
Meanwhile, the Railways Minister also stated that cooperation from all agencies is required for the early completion of the project.
Pradhan informed that flight services will start from Jharsuguda to Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Raipur.
While SpiceJet and Alliance Air will start flight services between Jharsuguda and Kolkata, Turbo and Alliance Air flights will connect the city with Bhubaneswar. Similarly, SpiceJet will start flight services from Jharsuguda to Hyderabad and New Delhi while Jet Airways flights will launch operation from Jharsuguda to Mumbai.
The Union Minister added that Alliance Air and Turbo will operate flights from Jharsuguda to Raipur.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Pradhan made a request for exemplary action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Citing the request from State president of Mahila Morcha demanding stern action against persons involved in the sexual exploitation of the girls at Dream Centre Shelter Home, Pradhan highlighted that the shelter home, run by Good News India NGO, is involved in forceful religious conversion and human trafficking.
The Mahila Morcha president Pravati Parida's petition alleged that, "The flow of foreign funds to Good News India is very high and it is running 26 shelter homes in Odisha out of which 15 are illegal. The State government is a mute spectator to the blatant violation of Juvenile Justice Act."
On Thursday, the officials of children protection unit, children welfare committee and police led by the sub-collector conducted a raid at a branch of Dream Centre shelter home in Rayagada district.
Similar raid was also conducted at Dream Centre shelter home at Sanokumuli village of Nabarangpur district.
Earlier, the arrested chief of Dream Centre Shelter Home, Fayaz Rahman alias 'Daddy' had revealed that the head office of Good News India, which is the operator of the shelter homes, is in Salgaria, West Bengal.
It received Rs 14 to Rs 15 crore as foreign donation and the amount was transferred directly through a private bank from USA to West Bengal and then to Bhubaneswar.
The matter of sexual harassment had come to fore after some inmates of the Dhenkanal shelter home had accused the owner and caretaker of sexual harassing them on November 30.
In a letter, Patnaik said that the twins have not become fit enough for home care.
"It is learnt that Department of Neurology, AIIMS, New Delhi is pressing to discharge the babies unilaterally against the views of the team of specialists from our State and despite the request of the State government to continue their treatment at AIIMS," Patnaik wrote.
“I request you to advise the concerned authorities at AIIMS, New Delhi to continue the treatment and care of Jaga and Kalia at the premier institute till the twins get fit enough for home care,” the Chief Minister wrote.
Earlier this month, parents of the separated conjoined twins had requested the State Government to get the twins shifted to a hospital in Odisha from AIIMS, New Delhi.
The two craniopagus twins from Milipada village in Kandhamal district were successfully separated after an 11-hour marathon surgery at AIIMS, New Delhi by a team of 30 specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments on October 25, 2017.
The matter had come to the fore after OTV first broadcast the news following which the State Government extended financial aid and other support for their treatment.
In a Facebook video, the Union Minister said that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik feels insecure about Modi’s increasing popularity which is the main reason for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme here.
Presenting a few facts on the healthcare system in Odisha, Pradhan said that the average number of doctors for every 1 lakh people in the State has reduced to nine from 11.
“While ICUs are available in only 12 out of 30 District Headquarters Hospitals, 112 health centres in Odisha don’t have electricity,” Pradhan added.
#Watch: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan challenges #Odisha govt's claim of treating 1 crore cases under #BijuSwasthyaKalyanYojana in last 60 days pic.twitter.com/YoPARb2x8B
— OTV (@otvnews) October 30, 2018
Pradhan also mentioned that the newborn death rate is highest in Odisha in comparison to other States.
In response to Pradhan, Odisha Health Minister Pratap Jena criticised the BJP stating that it is acting against the benefit of the people in Odisha and further tagged the party as a 'Jumla Sarkar' that only makes false promises during elections.
Tagging BJP as a 'Jumla Sarkar' that only makes false promises, #Odisha Health Minister Pratap Jena says, "CM mentioned that over 1 crore cases were benefited under the scheme from Aug 15 till date. The number includes patients visiting hospital either once or multiple times." pic.twitter.com/JLAyN8w1Qr
— OTV (@otvnews) October 30, 2018
Clarifying on the number of cases treated under BSKY, Jena said, "The Chief Minister mentioned that over 1 crore cases were benefited under the scheme from August 15 till date. This number includes patients visiting hospital either once or multiple times."
The formal announcement came during the inspection of the airport by the Minister.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Jharsuguda airport and some other important projects like Talcher fertiliser plant during his visit to Odisha on September 22. All public representatives will be invited for the inauguration ceremony and a public meeting will also be held," Oram said.
The Jharsuguda airport has received 4-C category license and planes like Airbus-320 and Boeing 747 will operate in and out of the airport which will connect different cities across the country.
The airport has been built under the Centre’s UDAN scheme at a cost of Rs 200 crore which includes Odisha government’s share of Rs 75 crore.
The activists of the BJP Mahila Morcha tried to gherao Naveen Niwas, the official residence of chief minister Naveen Patnaik today demanding action against the minister. However, tension erupted after police tried to prevent the agitators leading to a scuffle just 30-feet away from Naveen Niwas.
Reportedly the activists were on their way to put up posters near Naveen Niwas protesting Maharathy's statements on Pipili gang rape verdict. “If the minister does not tender his resignation, BJP Mahila Morcha will intensify the agitation and hit streets every day,” BJP Mahila Morcha leader, Rashmirekha Das said.
Several activists were later taken into preventive custody by the police.
Meanwhile, BJD spokesperson Samir Das termed it as a political drama of BJP to hoodwink the female voters ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Earlier yesterday, the women’s wing of the saffron party tried to gherao Naveen Niwas holding bangles and trained guns at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik demanding resignation of Maharathy.
Similarly, on Monday, the activists gheraoed the Crime Branch headquarters in Cuttack alleging lapses in investigation that led to acquittal of two accused in Pipili gang rape and murder case.
Informing about the development at a presser in a circuit house in Sundergarh, Oram said that a total of 462 schools in the country will be established under the project out of which 92 schools will come up in Odisha.
Oram further informed that out of total of 119 such schools in Odisha, 19 institutes are already functional, 8 are under construction and the rest new schools will be constructed in the state.
“A society will be set up all over the country like the Nabodaya Vidyalayas and will constitute from class 6 to class 12 under the CBSE pattern. Hostel facilities for both boys and girls will be provided separately,” the minister said.
The ministry has also directed to set up a Commissionerate on the lines of Navodaya schools for the management of the schools.
It is to be noted the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its in-principle approval for setting up of EMRSs in every block of the country with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons.
The Union Cabinet has approved a financial cost of Rs 2242.03 crore during 2018-19 and 2019-20 for rolling out the revamped scheme.
Panda informed that the meeting will be held in New Delhi along with two other MLAs in presence of Director and secretary of Culture department.
Sources said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was directed to submit a report on steps taken for the conservation of the monument by December 15 as per the security measures recommended by the international acclaimed experts in 1997 and 2010.
Earlier, a high-level meeting was held at the State Secretariat about the preservation of Konark Sun temple few days back.
However, the State government demanded that a steering committee meeting should be held under the chairmanship of ASI DG, added sources.
"Minister Ananth Kumar passed away at 3 a.m. at a private hospital where he was undergoing treatment for cancer," a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Bengaluru R. Ashoka told reporters here.
He had been battling pancreatic cancer for months and died at a hospital in Bengaluru. Sources said the mortal remains of Ananth Kumar will be kept at National College, Bengaluru, for last tributes.
Political leaders cutting across party lines expressed profound grief over the sad demise of Kumar who was a BJP MP from south Bengaluru constituency.
"Sad to hear of passing of Union Minister & veteran parliamentarian Shri H.N. Ananth Kumar. This is a tragic loss to public life in our country & particularly for the people of Karnataka. My condolences to his family, colleagues and countless associates," said President Ram Nath Kovind.
Sad to hear of the passing of Union minister and veteran parliamentarian Shri H.N. Ananth Kumar. This is a tragic loss to public life in our country and particularly for the people of Karnataka. My condolences to his family, colleagues and countless associates #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 12, 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness and tweeted this morning, "Extremely saddened by the passing away of my valued colleague & friend, Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. He was a remarkable leader, who entered public life at young age & went on to serve society with utmost diligence & compassion. He will always be remembered for his good work."
Extremely saddened by the passing away of my valued colleague and friend, Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. He was a remarkable leader, who entered public life at a young age and went on to serve society with utmost diligence and compassion. He will always be remembered for his good work.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2018
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh stated, "Absolutely shocked & pained by the demise of very senior colleague & a friend Shri Anant Kumar ji. He was a seasoned parliamentarian who served the nation in several capacities. His passion & devotion for the welfare of people was commendable. My condolences to his family."
"Deep sense of grief on hearing that Shri Ananth Kumar is no more with us. Served BJP all along. Bengaluru was in his head and heart, always. May God give his family the strength to bear with this loss," said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
"I have lost a great friend in his (Ananth Kumar) death. He was a value based politician, who made a significant contribution to the country as MP & Union Minister. May his soul rest in peace & may God give strength to his family & his followers to endure this loss," said Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy.
Former MP Baijayant Panda expressed condolence over the demise of Ananth Kumar and stated, "Saddened by the passing of Shri Ananth Kumar. He'd chaired a parliamentary committee on which i served, & distinguished himself for being to accommodate all members of various political persuasions, yet get a remarkable amount of work done! Om Shanti, may his soul rest in peace."
Kumar was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time in 1996 from Bangalore South constituency.
He was the Minister for Civil Aviation in the Union Cabinet headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998.
(With inputs from ANI)
While the ruling-BJD dragged Union Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan into the issue raising a barrage of questions and demanded his resignation alleging links with Tito’s crime syndicate, BJP said the ruling party is visibly scared after a CBI probe has been ordered.
BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb today sought answers on when IOCL authorities came to know about the irregularities in allotment of fuel outlets to Tito and whether the Union Minister was aware of such irregularities or not.
“Questions are being raised as to why no action was taken when irregularities were found in allotment. Besides, will the central investigating agency probe this one instance or more such cases will be included? Is the probe meant to shield someone?” Deb asked.
“Links between the crime syndicate and the Union Minister are coming to fore. If he (Pradhan) wants to play politics on the lines of Bihar, I am of the opinion that he should resign on moral grounds,” he added.
Rejecting the charges and showing a picture of Tito’s brothers joining BJD, BJP spokesperson Pitambar Acharya said “Under the patronage of MP Pratap Deb, former minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Kendrapara legislator Kishore Tarai, Tito was running criminal activities in the district.”
On the other hand, Opposition leader Narasingha Mishra said the central agency is playing the dual role of shielding politicians apart from investigating cases.
“Is the CBI trying to shield any politician or nab actual culprit? How a person with criminal background managed to get a petrol pump?” Mishra asked.
Earlier in the day, IOCL CGM, Pritish Bharat said that the Petroleum Ministry advised IOCL to hand over the case to CBI.
“We accept that there were faults in allotment.” Bharat said. However, he ruled out any political links.
Speaking to the media, Jual Oram said that the state government is harassing the members of the tribal communities in Odisha in the name of caste certificates.
Targeting the BJD government, the Union minister said that the state government is harassing young tribal boys and girls by asking for caste certificates every six/eight months. The caste certificate once issued is valid for lifetime, added Oram.
Reacting to the allegations of Oram, BJD spokesperson Amar Satpathy said that the state government is extra careful about forgery of caste certificates to restrict ineligible people from availing undue benefits.
Furthermore, taking another dig at the Naveen Patnaik-led government, Oram said that even after assistance for the Ekalavya Residential School programme, irregularities have surfaced. He has also alleged the state government of not fixing MSP of 24 minor forest produced items.
“A few people are treating the Third Floor (the third floor of state secretariat) as their private property. The Third Floor is now being controlled by 'Kala Pahada'. BJD leaders speak only those things in front of media what they have been trained on by Kala Pahada,” said Pradhan.
Addressing a public meeting, Pradhan said the file pertaining to the Centre’s final approval for construction of 2,500 km out of 5,500 km national highways under the coastal highway project in the state is still pending with the Chief Minister.
Pradhan said 62-63 lakhs people have been provided with LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana while 40,000 households have got electricity. Besides, Rs 20,000 crore has been allocated to the State in the Rail Budget, he added.
The Union Minister challenged CM Naveen that he would apologise if the information is false and dared him to speak truthfully about the Central assistance to the State under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Taking a dig at senior BJD leaders like Pratap Deb and Arun Sahu, Pradhan said them to take permission from the ‘Third Floor’ and come to his house, where he will share each and every detail on the Central assistance to Odisha.
Reply to Pradhan's allegations, BJD's Arun Sahoo said "Kala Pahada was from Odisha who went outside then returned to torment the State. There is a proverb which says Kala Pahada came, broke the iron gates and drank Mahanadi Water. In fact, the persons who are responsible for the drying up of Mahanadi are actually Kala Pahada.
Similarly Pratap Deb said, “There is no need for permission for a discussion with BJP or the Union Minister. Instead of his private residence, the discussion can be held in the open. I accept his challenge for a discussion on the matter.”
The regional party alleged that leaders of the saffron party including the Union Minister and even the Prime Minister are changing their statements on issue repeatedly. It claimed BJP's stance is not clear on the Mahanadi water dispute.
BJD vice president, Debi Prasad Mishra stated in a presser that "To divert the attention from the Mahanadi issue, BJP leaders including the Union Minister are making statements that show their double standards. They are making an effort to protect themselves."
BJD general secretary, Sanjay Dasburma said that his party will soon chalk out plans to launch another phase of protests over the Mahanadi water dispute.
Talks are abuzz that BJP is on the back foot in fear of losing public support as BJD has intensified its Mahanadi Suraksha Abhiyan.
However, BJP spokesperson Pitambar Acharya refuted that the party has taken a U-turn and said Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been advocating in favour of the State.
"Pradhan's argument is very clear on the issue and it is not a U-turn. He has always laid emphasis on the interest of the people of Odisha," Acharya stated.
Earlier today Odisha Congress chief, Niranjan Patnaik said that his party will soon call for a State-wide bandh on Mahanadi water dispute. Both the Centre and ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led Odisha government are responsible for the Mahanadi water crisis, he added.
Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of supporting the Chhattisgarh government, Patnaik said that the former refrained from giving any assurance to Odisha during his recent visit to Cuttack.
The proposed project which is being established in over 23 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs 103 crores will be completed by March 2020, said Pradhan after laying the foundation stone at a function held at Koshala Kalamandala Ground here.
This is BPCL’s second bottling unit that will come up in Odisha after the first one in Khurda. The company has plans to set up two more bottling plants in Rayagada and one in Bhubaneswar in subsequent phases.
“In the entire Western Odisha, Bolangir is the most vibrant point and it needs to be developed. The proposed bottling plant has a capacity for refilling 42 lakh cyclinders which will benefit people of 14 districts,” said Pradhan.
The Union Minister also highlighted the achievements of his department and criticised the previous UPA-led government at Centre for failing on all fronts.
“When Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, only 40,000 LPG connections were provided to people in Bolangir which has now reached over 2.31 lakh. Over 1.91 new connections have been added,” Pradhan added.
While one skill development institute will be set up near the foothills of Barunei at the cost of Rs 500 crore, a branch of the Indian Institute of Skills will be opened by the Skill Development Ministry at the NISER.
"The two institutes of international standards will help to impart skill trainings to Odia youth," said Pradhan on the sidelines of the State-level Livelihood and Skill Development Fair in Khurda.
Nearly, 3,000 candidates and 45 companies had participated in the fair. Besides, the Union Minister handed over appointment letters to 1,000 candidates recruited by several companies.
Explaining mediapersons, Pradhan said, “The 15th Finance Commission has given 17 percent weightage to the 1971 census data and 10 percent weightage to the 2011 data. This is not for the first time that the recommendations are being made on basis of 2011 census figures. The 14th Finance Commission too had used the 2011 data for fund allocation. In fact, Odisha will get more funds if the Commission uses data based on 2011 census,” he said adding that the state has performed well in birth control as per the 2011 census data.
"As compared to 1971, Odisha has achieved better targets in 2011 because its population figures have stabilised,” Pradhan said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that the ToR of the 15th Finance Commission may adversely impact devolution of resources to the State. He had sought the personal intervention of the Prime Minister to ensure that the Finance Commission uses population data of the 1971 census instead of that of 2011 while making its recommendations.Patnaik had said that the flow of funds to the State will decline during the 15th Finance Commission if the Centre adopts 2011 census data.
Commenting on the development, BJD vice president Debi Prasad Mishra said, “Other States have also raised similar questions. The Chief Minister’s concern is how Odisha gets more allocation to catch up with other States.”
Speaking on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi to mark the 20th anniversary of OTV, Pradhan stated, "If the party gives me a chance, I will contest forthcoming polls. The party will decide whether I will contest from Lok Sabha or Assembly seats."
On Bijoy Mohapatra issue, Pradhan said some leaders in the party do not like discipline. "The BJP leaderships will decide how to bring back discipline in the party."
To a query on recent happenings in BJD, Pradhan replied, "Dismissal of Damodar Rout from the council of ministers is only a political gimmick by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik." He questioned why the BJD supremo was mum when Damodar used unparliamentary language against Bishnu Charan Das or made caustic remarks against Anganwadi workers.
When asked about the Mahanadi issue, he said the chief ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh should once again come to the discussion table to sort out the issue. The Prime Minister also wants this and has asked the Water Resources Minister to arrange Chief Minister-level talks soon.
"In case the chief minister-level talks fail, a tribunal will be formed mandatorily as per the law," Pradhan added.
Besides, he informed a new bill will be tabled in the winter session of Parliament under which a tribunal will be constituted to address all the inter-state water disputes.
Also Read: Damodar Rout loses minister post over casteist remarks
In his reaction, BJD MP Prasanna Acharya, said, "If Pradhan is so eager about a solution to the Mahanadi water dispute, he could have interfered earlier."
Acharya also stated, "As per an amendment to the River Dispute Act in 2002, there is a time limit for formation of a tribunal. Moreover, when the official level discussion and CM-level talks have already failed, the next recourse should be the PM's intervention."
https://youtu.be/OfKk8MvY9bQ
He further stated on social media, “Why are Union Ministers forcing Hindi on non-Hindi speaking Indians? Is this an attack on other languages?”
Satpathy also posted a photo of his response letter to Tomar.
The BJD leader further asked, “Why can't Union ministers hire one person from each State to help them communicate with people speaking different languages?” adding that the move will create jobs for the youth.
Satpathy, on Friday, wrote to Tomar expressing his inability to understand what is written in the letter in Hindi.
He also mentioned, “Odisha falls in the ‘C’ category, so the letter should have been sent either in English or Odia.”
The Union Minister had written to Satpathy inviting him to attend an event on the ‘India 2022’ vision.
Talking to media, BJD MP from Puri Pinaki Mishra said while Oram had mentioned at one place in the affidavit that his poll expenses are ‘nil’, in the same document he stated some amount has been spent from his own pocket.
Mishra further said, “He (Oram) has given completely false information in his poll affidavit. Though he had said Rs 7.27 lakh was given to him by cheque, actually he received the whole amount by cash. Therefore, we demand his resignation as the Union minister.”
The Puri MP added BJD would move the Election Commission of India on Monday to seek its intervention into Oram’s alleged false affidavit filing matter.
He also hinted in coming days the regional party would make public some more false affidavit submission of other MPs of the saffron party.
On the other hand, a delegation of BJP today met Governor SC Jamir and submitted a memorandum alleging that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is misutilising State exchequer and advocate general to serve his interests.
BJP vice president Samir Mohanty, who was part of the party delegation, said, “Hinjili MLA and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is utilising the State exchequer for his own interests and we have submitted a memorandum on the same.”
Denying the charges BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said, “The saffron party’s allegations are baseless and are a political game plan to defame the ruling party.”
In the letter, the Union Minister mentioned that those who pelted eggs at his vehicle are the local hooligans of the BJD and no security arrangements were made by the district administration even though the SP was informed about his visit.
“Those who hurled eggs at my vehicle are the local ‘goondas’ of the BJD,” he stated.
He further said it is the responsibility of the state government to provide security to Union Minister and the district police have failed in discharging their duty during his visit to Kendrapara district.
Highlighting the frequent egg attack incidents occurring in the state, Jual said, “The incidents of egg attack on Union Ministers are rampant in Odisha. Recently Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh’s vehicle was also attacked with eggs.”
Jual urged the Home Minister to intervene into the matter and direct the Odisha government to ensure security to Union Ministers during their visit to the state.
Briefing newsmen later in the day, Jual said Rajnath has instructed the secretary of the Home Ministry to submit a report on the incident. He alleged, "Section-307 is slapped for egg attack on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik only, not for others. Case under Atrocities Act was not registered in my case which should be considered by the Chief Minister. BJD is following the path of Congress and it will face consequences if it does not mend its ways."
Questioning what took Naveen 17 years to wake up, Dharmendra demanded a white paper on what was the percentage of commission that was being charged/paid and the amount of money that have been collected over the years through such practices.
“Comments on curbing percentage being taken/paid for work orders by CM Naveen who has been in power for the past 17 years and headed many departments, goes on to prove that the practice has been existing since long. I urge the CM to come out with a white paper clarifying what percentages of work orders were bribes, how much of such corrupt commission payments has stopped and how much work orders have been given to contractors without tenders. Making such comments is just a whitewash and publicity stunt,” said Dharmendra.
“It’s very late and the CM has woken up after 17 long years. Prevalence of commissions/percentages are as high as 30-35% at block levels,” said senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati.
On the other hand, BJD’s Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda praised such intent by tweeting “Good that corruption is getting targetted. I'd repeatedly pointed out internally. Strong steps needed, not just at dists but much higher up.”
The posters of the conch declaring the death anniversary observation have been vying for visibility amidst the larger than life Narendra Modi and Amit Shah cutouts.
Many observers believe the ruling party will use the occasion as a platform to balance some of the effects of the BJP’s national executive meet here that will witness huge participation of union ministers and party leaders.
Also Read: Shah gets two lotus garlands, one tagged with 21, another…
“PM Narendra Modi’s objective to make Odisha a lab for pro-poor schemes after this executive meet has definitely spread apprehension within the ruling-BJD,” said BJP’s Sameer Mohanty.
“Our program on Biju Babu’s death anniversary has no relationship with BJP’s convention. One cannot change the fact that the death anniversary falls on April 17 every year and one cannot say that the BJP’s meet so close to this date will have any adverse effect on us either,” said BJD spokesperson, Pratap Deb.
The Centre today rushed 2,000 paramilitary personnel to Odisha to assist the local administration in maintaining law and order in Bhadrak district which has witnessed violence and tension in last few days.
"Central forces rushed to Bhadrak district of Odisha in view of the prevailing tension there," a Home Ministry spokesperson said.
Official sources said 20 companies of paramilitary personnel were dispatched to Odisha to help restore normalcy in the district.
A company of paramilitary force comprises of around 100 personnel.
Around 35 platoons of police force are deployed in Bhadrak town and police have arrested as many as 36 persons and seized nine motorcycles. Both Home Secretary, Asit Tripathy and DGP, KB Singh are camping in Bhadrak to keep a close tab on the situation.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has also appealed to the people to maintain calm and peace in the town.
"I sincerely appeal to all in Bhadrak for peace & harmony; have directed stringent action against any attempt to disrupt peace," Patnaik tweeted.
Also Read: Bhadrak situation under control, says DGP
Appealing to the people, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said he had apprised the Home Minister Rajnath Singh of the situation, and assured all possible help to the state from the central government. At a press meeting in Delhi, Pradhan urged Naveen to handle the issue in a sensitive manner.
Similarly, BJD MP Baijayant Panda appeald for peace in Bhadrak and urged everyone to safeguard years’ of brotherhood.
On the other hand, Odisha BJP’s Pratap Sarangi alleged the ruling-BJD’s role in instigating unrest and violence in Bhadrak. Sarangi at a press meet held in Bhubaneswar said that one of the local leaders of the ruling party is provoking people. Sarangi also slammed Naveen saying, the CM’s decision to visit Delhi instead of Bhadrak is grossly irresponsible.
Not only BJD, members including former MLAs, MPs, Ministers of other parties are also discussing prospects of joining BJP, said Jual without divulging the names and the number of such members who are waiting in the lurk to switch sides.
“There are some who are pursuing serious discussions to join the BJP. There are MPs, former MPs, former ministers, MLAs, senior party office bearers of all parties including BJD are in talks with BJP. After the performance of BJP in the recently concluded elections in four states, everyone is heading towards BJP,” said Jual.
Notably, couple of days back, a former Congress MLA and a former Zilla Parishad Chairperson joined BJP. However, claims of sitting MLAs and MPs joining BJP is something which is being taken with a pinch of salt by observers.
Also Read: BJP alleges siphoning off of allotted kerosene provided to…
If less than one-third of the number of legislators and MPs switch to another party, then the anti-defection law can be invoked leading to cancellation of membership, which further undermines chances of MLAs and MPs joining BJP.
“As far as I know, there are no chances of MPs and MLAs of our party joining BJP,” said BJD spokesperson, Pratap Deb.
“He is just trying to create a flutter under the assumption that BJP has become powerful. However, the situation at the grassroots level is quite different,” said Congress Leader Mohammed Mokim.
“We had fielded a woman candidate for the post of ZP chairman. However, Congress’ Hemanand Biswal and MLA Jogesh Singh didn’t support us. It seems like Prafulla Majhi was interested in offering his support to us. However, it looks like a secret internal deal was struck among them,” said union minister and senior BJP leader Jual Oram.
“We demand a CBI probe into this whole incident as such high profile persons are involved in it,” said BJP youth wing president, Tankadhar Tripathy.
The ruling party refuted the allegations.
“There is no question of horse trading as BJD had a majority. BJP’s claims are baseless,” said BJD MLA, Pravat Biswal.
Also Read: Cong MLA alleges horse trading after member defects in Sundergarh ZP chairman poll
Meanwhile, in a letter to the leader of the Opposition and senior party leader Narsingh Mishra, Majhi has termed the alliance between the BJD and Congress as unethical and unholy, and blamed the district Congress president for the same.
“Because it is an unholy alliance, I am against it. Though I had already spoken to the District Congress President to maintain equal distance from BJD and BJP, it was not done. Hence this letter will go to the Congress high command through the leader of Opposition,” stated Majhi.
According to sources, Section 51 of the Act has been amended to allow agents of every party to be present during the election the chairman. The agents will be appointed by the respective parties and the respective ZP members will have to inform their agents about the candidates they have voted to become the chairman.
As per the amended rules, an authorised agent of each political party will be allowed to verify the ballot papers of the party members before they cast their votes.
"Every political party, whose member as an elector casts a vote for the purpose of election to the office of the President, or as the case may be, the Vice President, may appoint one authorised agent," said a notification issued by the Panchayati Raj Department.
It said the President and the General Secretary of the state party/state unit of national political party will inform the Election Officer about the agent prior to the election day.
The new rules would come into force on the date of its publication in the Odisha Gazette.
The new clauses mentioned that the Election Officer will allow the authorised agents to verify as to whom elected members of their party have cast their votes.
However, such a change was seen by BJP as a violation of law prompting it to move the High Court challenging the amendment.
According to Union minister and senior BJP leader Jual Oram, Sundergarh ZP member Sukhlal Munda has filed a case in the HC. Sources informed that the HC will hear the plea on March 15.
“Such an amendment is unconstitutional and undemocratic which is the reason why we have challenged it in the HC. A case has been filed by ZP member Sukhlal Munda challenging the decision to change the rules in the middle of elections,” said Oram.
“During the process of election, the government cannot make any change in the law. The Assembly should have been taken into confidence while making such amendment. This is unconstitutional, arbitrary, illegal, and on the part of the government, it is mala fide exercise of power,” said senior BJP leader, Biswabhushan Harichandan.
Minister Damodar Rout responded to such allegations saying, “Just like in Rajya Sabha, an agent should be present during voting to ensure that there is no cross-voting and everyone is following the decision of the party.
Also Read: Parties indulge in horse trading ahead of ZP Council formation
Moreover, the ruling-BJD also issued a whip to all its elected ZP members. Party sources said, the whip has been issued through the district presidents by party chief Naveen Patnaik. The whip warns its concerned recipients that any violation of guidelines stated therein will be construed as anti-party and stringent action will be initiated, informed sources.
In wake of such a whip being issued, Oram responded saying “Actually BJD is very scared now. There is internal conflict among its leaders in at least, 5 to 6 district. The party has panicked and taken such a decision overnight,” said Oram.
“It looks like the BJP was expecting a lot from horse trading and now seems to have suffered loss on account of such anti-defection law,” said BJD spokesperson Amar Satpathy in response to Oram.
He was 91 and is survived by his wife Prof Saraswati Swain, former Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine in SCB Medical College.
Talking to media persons, Dr Bhubanananda Maharana, Emergency Officer of SCB Medical College, informed that apart from pneumonia, Ray had kidney and other age related problems.
“The doctors, despite their valiant efforts could not save the former Parliamentarian who passed at about 3 PM”, he added.
Family sources said Ray was admitted in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar some days back. But after he was diagnosed with pneumonia, he was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital on February 12 and put in the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the Medicine department. But as he had difficulty in breathing, he was later shifted to the central ICU.
He was under treatment by a special team of doctors.
Born on November 26, 1926 in Bhanagarh village in Puri district, Ray completed his graduation in History from Ravenshaw College and later studied Law in Madhusudan Law College, Cuttack.
Later, deeply influenced by eminent socialist political leader and freedom fighter, Ram Manohar Lohia, he joined politics.
Ray was elected to the 4th Lok Sabha from Puri constituency in Odisha in 1967. In the 4th Lok Sabha, he was the leader of the Parliamentary Group of the Samyukta Socialist Party (SSP). In 1974, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Odisha and completed his term in the Upper House in 1980. He was the Union minister of Health and Family Welfare in Morarji Desai ministry from January 1979 to January 1980.
In 1989, he was re-elected to the 9th Lok Sabha from the Kendrapara constituency as a Janata Dal candidate. On 19 December 1989, he was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 9th Lok Sabha. In 1991, he was re-elected to the 10th Lok Sabha from the same constituency. Since 1997, he was associated with the Lok Shakti Abhiyan, a non-political organization.
During his stint as the Speaker, Ray had allowed the live telecast of Parliament proceedings for the first time.
Governor SC Jamir, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and several political leaders expressed profound grief over the sad demise of Ray.
“The Union minister should refrain from giving different statements on Mahanadi issue at different places,” he told media persons here.
Asked about the inaction of the state government in expediting the matter with the Centre on Mahanadi issue, Mohapatra said the state government had filed a suit in the Supreme Court on December 2 last year seeking injunction against Chhattisgarh government over construction of barrages on the upper catchment of Mahanadi. The state should pursue the matter accordingly so that the apex court will have a hearing on this matter. Unless there is a hearing, the Chhattisgarh government would continue the construction work of the projects on Mahanadi. The work will not stop unless the apex court issues injunction.
To another question on whether intervention of the Prime Minister could solve the issue, Mohapatra said there is some of possibility of a solution. But it all depends on Chhattisgarh government which is no mood to relent. As I have already said if the neighbouring state continues its construction work, situation in the upper and lower catchments of Mahanadi in Odisha would be disastrous by March. I cannot understand why everyone is trying to play the Mahanadi game. All have vested interest for their own political gain. No one is concerned over the larger interest of Odisha.
He also said since the Odisha government has filed a petition for formation of a tribunal, the Centre, instead of keeping the ball in its court, should take necessary steps for its formation. Instead of doing, it has formed a Negotiation Committee which is nothing but a gimmick.
Supporting the contention of Mohapatra, Opposition chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said what the former has said about Dharmendra Pradhan is true.
The Union minister is used to give different statements after his return from Delhi. If he and his party ignore Mohapatra’s statement, it would be a colossal loss for Odisha. The Union minister should give his statement in favour of Odisha,” he pointed out.
He, however, said both the BJD and BJP have made the Mahanadi water muddy. “They will try to rake up the issue till the panchayat polls are over. Barring Mahanadi, the BJD supremo and chief minister Naveen Patnaik has no other issue,” he pointed out.
Asked about the BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra who has criticised his party leader and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his varying statements on Mahanadi issue, the Congress leader said the BJD and BJP had ruled Odisha for nine years and during this period, the Chhattisgarh government had started construction of projects on upper Mahanadi. “What these two ruling parties were doing at that time? Bahinipati asked.
He said the Centre should take necessary step to set up an inter-state tribunal to resolve the ongoing row between Odisha and Chhattisgarh and the matter should be settled by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Criticising the chief minister, who in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday had urged him to withdraw the formation of Negotiation Committee formed by the Water Resources ministry to resolve the Mahanadi issue, Pradhan said “As per Inter State Water Dispute Act, there is a right to form a tribunal. Let a tribunal be formed. But prior to formation of the tribunal, the Centre has gone a step forward with the formation of a Negotiation Committee to resolve Mahanadi issue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Sadly, the Odisha government is no mood to agree to the formation of the Committee,” Pradhan told media persons here.
He said he clearly understands the helplessness of the state government. “Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked the state chief secretary to attend the meeting of the chief secretaries of Odisha and Chhattisgarh convened by the Water Resources ministry recently. Though the chief secretary agreed to the decisions taken at the meeting, he later changed his mind after talking to someone else. Most probably he changed his mind after receiving instructions from one of the clerks of the Third Floor. Besides, the discussions between the chief ministers of these two states at the meeting which was presided over by Union Water Resources minister Uma Bharti are recorded and it will be brought out as a proof. Our chief minister, who had agreed to the proposal at the meeting, also changed his mind later at the instance of a bureaucrat,” Pradhan pointed out.
He said the chief minister has toured New Delhi ten times in last six months. But he has never taken up the matter with the Prime Minister. Rather, he is unnecessarily creating farce by using constitutional jargon only to safeguard his vested political interest.
Reacting to the statement of the Union Minister, BJD spokesperson Amar Prasad Satpathy said Odisha should be entitled to get the volume of Mahanadi water as per its requirement. “If attempts are made to restrict the flow of Mahanadi water, we will continue our fight no matter how long it continues,” he maintained.
Talking about the Negotiation Committee, Satpathy said the Centre remained silent when there was a need for formation of this Committee. “There is no time to form this Committee. In fact we had told the Centre to form the Committee only after asking the Chhattisgarh government to stop its ongoing projects on Mahanadi. But the neighbouring state has continued its project work at a brisk pace. In these circumstances, attempts are being made to form the Negotiation Committee to delay the process for formation of a tribunal. This is the handiwork of those who do not want to safeguard the interest of Odisha,” the BJD leader observed.
Reports said a three-member Crime Branch team went to IGH where the victim is undergoing treatment, and recorded her statement which was videographed.
The condition of the victim is stated to be critical, hospital sources said.
Meanwhile, a four-member Crime Branch team led by a lady Inspector has been camping at Narla. The team had collected details of the case from Narla police station yesterday. After collecting the details, the team had gone to Madhupur village for investigation.
The local police had arrested six accused including two prime accused Bulu Das and Shyama Sahoo. While the minor accused Shyama Sahoo was sent to the Juvenile jail, the others were sent to jail.
The girl, who was torched for protesting eve teasing, is a student of TRW School at Madhupur under Lanjigarh block. The incident took place when she had gone to a nearby stream to attend nature’s call on Wednesday afternoon. Two youths, identified as Bulu Das and Shyama Sahoo of the same village, had passed lewd comments at her.
The girl had protested and informed the matter to her parents. Her mother then had cautioned the youths for the act.
Enraged by her mother’s warning, the two youths had abused the girl’s father in presence of others. Later in the evening when the girl was alone in her house, they trespassed and allegedly set her on fire after dousing her with kerosene oil, police sources said.
Hearing the girl’s screams, local people rescued her and rushed her to a hospital. But as her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to VIMSAR at Burla and later to IGH where Union minister Jual Oram met her yesterday and enquired about her health condition.
Expressing grave concern over the incident, Oram announced free treatment of the minor girl.
Former Janata Dal MLA of Dharmasala (Jajpur) Guru Charan Tikayat, former BJD MLA of Gunupur (Nabarangpur) Ramamurty Mutika and former Janata Dal MLA of Bhatli (Bargarh) Kumarbar Behera formally joined the saffron party.
Besides, BJD leader and Khurda Zilla Parishad member Sangram Keshari Paikray and more than 50 leaders of BJD, Congress and Aam Admi Party (AAP) also joined the party.
These leaders were accorded warm welcome by BJP state unit president Basant Panda, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Biswabhusan Harichandan who officially announced their joining the party.
Welcoming the new party leaders, Harichandan came down heavily on BJD supremo and chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
“The chief minister is touring districts in helicopter and inaugurating projects and laying foundation stones of upcoming projects. Where the money comes from to meet his tour expenses? Construction of podiums and barricades is built with the money of the state government while government machinery including the collector, BDOs and tehsildars are engaged to make the programmes of the chief minister successful. The tour of the chief minister is to hoodwink the people of Odisha as the ruling party has begun its exercise for the ensuing panchayat polls through government machinery,” he pointed out.
Lashing out at the state government for its transparent administration, Harichandan said transparent administration does not mean that the chief minister will take up panchayat poll campaign in helicopter.
On Mahanadi issue, he said the chief minister is trying his best to fool the people of Odisha. “The chief minister is now tagging Mahanadi to all issues. Has he ever seen the Mahanadi? Does he have any love for Odisha and Mahanadi? The time has come for the chief minister to stop this farce,” he pointed out.
The BJP leader also said the chief minister, who is of late harping on Mahanadi issue, has not been able to set up a mega irrigation project in the state in the last 16 years. “The chief minister says the opposition is shedding crocodile tears. But the people of Odisha know that it is the chief minister who only sheds crocodile tears,” he noted.