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Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: The 68th Republic Day was celebrated across Odisha with gaiety and enthusiasm today amidst tight security with the state government asserting that the battle against corruption has gained steam as the focus is on socio-economic empowerment of all.
In view of the boycott call by Maoists in some areas of the state, an alert had been sounded and police force in all districts had been put on strict vigil.
Tight security arrangements had been made in Maoist affected districts like Malkangiri, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Balangir and Gajapati. In some areas, Maoists had given a call to observe black day and asked people to boycott celebrations by putting up posters.
In Bhubaneswar, Governor SC Jamir unfurled the tricolour during the State-level Republic Day celebrations at the Mahatma Gandhi Marg. The Governor took the salute at a grand parade led by Nabarangpur SP Sudhansu Mishra.
Elaborate security arrangements were made for smooth Republic Day celebrations across the state, according to Director General of Police (DGP) K B Singh.
The celebrations remained peaceful without any untoward incident reported from any part.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unfurled the tricolour at the historic Barabati stadium in Cuttack.
Patnaik said the fight against corruption has been strengthened in Odisha, which accords top priority to speedy and overall development.
Exhorting people to make endeavour to build a prosperous Odisha as well as a strong nation through peace, development and values, he said the state's able manpower base and rich natural resources provide it with abundant opportunities for achieving development.
The foundation for democracy and secularism had been strengthened, he said, adding the state has successfully integrated itself with the overall process of the country's development which had enhanced the confidence of the poor to live with dignity.
The state is witnessing a new era of development, welfare and socio-economic empowerment of all sections of society starting from farmers and labourers to women, tribals, dalits, youths and students, the chief minister said.
At the official programme here there was an impressive parade, colourful tableaux displaying the State's rich culture and progress made in different sectors were taken out.
