News from Bhubaneswar

In Bhubaneswar, cybercriminals have duped Rs 17 crore from residents, with the police receiving 1,515 complaints in four months.

After winning the 2019 election, the wealth and assets of many candidates have grown by 10 to 23 times. The assets of BJD’s Choudwar-Cuttack candidate Souvic Biswal were valued at Rs 20.68 lakh in 2019, but in the last five years, his assets grew to Rs 5.4 crore reflecting an increase of 23 times.    

Tension spread at a gas depot in Jatani, Odisha, after a contractual worker died when a truck loaded with gas cylinders ran over him. His co-workers protested, demanding compensation and highlighting negligence.

Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer ordered an investigation against Chhendipada MLA Sushant Behera for allegedly attacking a BJP worker during polling in Angul district. The CEO demands a report within 24 hours following viral video evidence of the altercation.

Post the third phase of elections in Odisha, BJP, BJD, and Congress have started claiming potential victory and government formation. BJD's Naveen Patnaik is confident despite challenges, while BJP has cited increased support and high-profile visits as success factors. Conversely, Congress has positioned itself as an alternative amidst higher polling percentages.

In Bhubaneswar, a three-tier security system and CCTV surveillance have been made for the EVMs stored for the upcoming vote count on June 4. Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda detailed extensive measures including vehicle checks in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, and the deployment of multiple platoons of armed forces in and around BJB Colege.

Former Odisha BJP president KV Singh Deo accused the state's government of suppressing 24 Commission of Inquiry reports over 25 years. He announced that the BJP which is going to secure a two-thirds majority will disclose these reports and address past issues like the mining scam and chit-fund mismanagement.

The Council of Secondary Education (CHSE) in Bhubaneswar announced the Plus-2 exam results for Arts, Science, and Commerce streams. Pass percentages were 80.95% for Arts, 86.93% for Science, and 82.27% for Commerce, with girls outperforming boys across all streams. The vocational stream recorded a 68.02% pass rate.

Though there are prescribed rules for restrictions on mobile phones, many voters rued that they were unaware and had to return as there was no provision to keep their phones safe inside or near the booth.

The third phase of polling in Odisha was disrupted by violence at Athagarh and EVM problems at Brahmagiri. Incidents included injuries due to clashes, a polling agent's death suspected from sunstroke, and an elderly voter's death while standing in queue.

As per the latest IMD’s forecast, the deep depression will intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours. Subsequently, it would move nearly northwards, intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by May 26 morning.

In Odisha's third phase of polling, elderly voters, some on wheelchairs and others with oxygen support, exemplified commitment to democracy, motivating younger voters. This phase will influence the outcomes for six Lok Sabha and 42 assembly seats.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has promised free electricity to approximately 90% of families in Odisha, a first in its 24-year rule. Despite widespread promotion, the feasibility remains doubtful with frequent power outages and inadequate infrastructure being major concerns among residents and political opponents.

Union Minister Smriti Irani is all set to bolster the BJP's campaign in Odisha with her visits to Kujanga, Aul, and Remuna tomorrow.

BJP National President JP Nadda's meeting assumed significance as two more phases of polling-third phase on May 25 and the fourth phase on June 1- are still to go in Odisha.