Odisha Elections News Updates

In Odisha, a video showing BJD Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha shouting at election surveillance personnel after his car was stopped has gone viral. This incident during intensified checks to ensure fair elections raises questions about rule exemptions for ministers.

Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra, along with Sarada Pradhan and Rakesh Mallik, has been expelled from the party due to anti-party activities.

Dilip’s father said, “Four persons with swords attacked us. We were in BJD and they attacked us for joining the BJP. The MLA’s husband is involved and he sent men to attack us. My son is survived by his wife and a 5-year-old son.”

Over one hundred BJD and Congress workers were inducted into the party in the presence of BJP National Vice President and Kendrapara Lok Sabha candidate Baijayant Panda, Kendrapara Assembly candidate Geetanjali Sethi and district President Kishore Panda. 

VK Pandian allegedly referred to eminent Odia poet Swabhaba Kabi Gangadhar Meher as the 'Santha Kabi' during the public meeting in the presence of the Chief Minister. Not only this, but Pandian also referred to Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi as only Kabi.

Union Minister Amit Shah predicted a significant victory for BJP in the upcoming Odisha elections, emphasizing the need for a 'double-engine' government under PM Modi to foster development. He criticized the current BJD-led government's handling of various cultural and developmental issues and outlined BJP's commitments, including infrastructural improvements and support for tribal communities.

As per latest development, the SIT will conduct a detailed investigation and arrest the remaining accused persons early. Besides, focus will be given on collection of proper evidence (scientific/forensic/digital) and submission of chargesheet within 30 days for early trial of the case.

BJP leaders Hema Malini and Aparajita Sarangi criticized the BJD's governance in Odisha, highlighting unfulfilled developments despite rich cultural and natural resources. They promised substantial changes, including land distribution and cash vouchers, if BJP comes to power.

Biswa Sarma gave an ultimatum to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s close aide VK Pandian to find the missing keys of Ratna Bhandar by June 10. He also said that if the BJD government fails to find the missing keys, BJP will find the keys after the party forms government in Odisha on June 10.

As per the allegations, the saffron party workers were thrashed and kidnapped by some ruling party workers near the solar plant when they were campaigning at Tendapali village with BJP’s Titlagarh MLA candidate Naveen Jain.

Ahead of the second phase of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik conducted a roadshow in Bhubaneswar and campaigned for the BJD candidates.

Pradeep Panigarhi had been criticising Naveen Patnaik and VK Pandian since he switched over to the saffron party, resulting in his popularity being on the rise. 

In the 2024 Odisha elections, the BJP and Congress are highlighting the multi-crore chit fund scam to challenge the BJD government. Both parties promise restitution for victims, while BJD defends its position. The scam involves Rs 30,000 crore affecting 70 lakh investors.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma targeted the state government while raising several issues including the disappearance of the Ratna Bhandar key and labour migration issues. 

Hundreds of party workers and leaders joined the roadshow and both sides of the road were thronged by locals, giving credence to the people's support for Baijayant Panda and the party’s Tangi-Salepur MLA candidate, Arindam Roy.