News from Odisha

Voting has begun for five Lok Sabha constituencies and as many as 35 Assembly seats in Odisha. Polling will be held in four phases in Odisha. As per the

The Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat is poised for an intense electoral battle in 2024 among BJP's Jual Oram, BJD's Dilip Tirkey, and Congress' Janardan Dehury. Oram, ending his political career with this election, faces a tough contest against former Indian hockey captain Tirkey and tribal leader Dehury.

The Bolangir Lok Sabha seat is set for a highly contested election among BJP, Congress, and BJD. This year diverges from tradition with the BJD fielding tribal leader Surendra Singh Bhoi instead of a royal family member. Incumbent MP Sangeeta Kumari of BJP faces new Congress candidate, actor Manoj Mishra.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, and Biju Janata Dal are poised for a competitive race for the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat in 2024. Each party has fielded strategic candidates, reflecting past election results and current political dynamics. Sanjay Bhoi, Pradeep Purohit, and Parinita Mishra represent their respective parties in this crucial constituency.

In the upcoming general elections, Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat in Odisha is set for a keen contest. Achyuta Samanta of BJD, Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi of BJP, and Amir Chand Nayak of Congress are the main contenders. Historically, BJD has held this seat since its creation in 2008, with Samanta defending it against strong opposition.

The PM said, "Every household of Odisha is a treasure trove of art and traditions which are the heritage of the country.  Now, we see a coterie has hijacked the system here. Since the people in the government are elected again and again, what happens to the art and culture does not matter to them."

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At a time when the BJD is being accused of destroying the mutts, the BJP has assured ‘opening of Ratna Bhandar’, ‘opening of four gates of Srimandir’ and ‘resurrection of mutts’ in its manifesto.

Extensive security measures have been made for the roadshow to be held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Puri on Monday. Over 60 platoons of police have been deployed. After visiting Srimandir, the PM will start the roadshow from Singhadwar to Medical Chhak.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Bhubaneswar on a two-day visit to Odisha, a day before the second phase elections in the state. He was warmly welcomed by senior BJP leaders and has multiple public engagements, including a roadshow in Puri and meetings in Angul and Cuttack.

BJP spokesperson Pitambar Acharya alleged that senior police personnel including higher-ranked officials like DG, IG and SP have become the agents of the State government and are working in their favour.

For the second phase of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, 33,000 police and security personnel have been deployed at 9,162 polling booths to ensure a peaceful voting process on Monday.

BJP's Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha candidate Aparajita Sarangi criticized BJD leader VK Pandian for making negative comments on PM Modi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. She challenged BJD MPs to disclose their performance reports, highlighting a demand for political accountability.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized the Congress and BJD's governance in Odisha, citing poor development over 75 years. He praised PM Modi's leadership and the BJP's achievements including Article 370 abrogation and Ram Temple construction. Singh also highlighted issues under BJD rule like halted benefits from Central schemes.

Bhubaneswar IMD Director Manorama Mohanty assured that there's no need for panic as no cyclone is predicted currently, though a low pressure may form by May 22 in the Bay of Bengal. She emphasized ongoing monitoring and future updates.