BJP proposes renaming Janata Maidan as Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi ground

Bhubaneswar: A day before the BJP national executive meeting kick-starts in Bhubaneswar, the saffron party has proposed renaming the Janata Maidan, its venue for the two-day national executive meet, as the Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi ground in honour of the legendary saint-poet of Odisha. The proposal came from the Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday here.

Talking to newsmen, Pradhan stated, "Odisha will be the Prime Minister’s laboratory for testing of several welfare schemes targeted at the economically weaker sections."

He also informed, on health grounds, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will not be able to come to Bhubaneswar to attend the party’s national executive meeting starting from April 15.

Also read: BJP National Executive Meet: Saffron party to play Paika card

Meanwhile, Pradhan also said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in the city by 3.30 pm tomorrow on a two-day visit. From the airport, the Prime Minister will straight go to the Governor’s House and thereafter will reach the Janata Maidan by 5 pm to attend the BJP’s national executive meeting.”