Law Minister Demands Clarity on Helicopter Expenses A significant political controversy has erupted in Odisha over the extensive use of a helicopter by V K Pandian, a former bureaucrat who served as a close aide to the previous Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Pandian, who stepped away from politics following the BJD’s losses in recent Lok…
Sudden Resignation Shakes Odisha Politics In a dramatic development in Odisha’s political landscape, Mamata Mahanta, a key Rajya Sabha member and influential leader of the Kudumi community, has resigned from both her position in the Rajya Sabha and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party. Elected unopposed to the Upper House in March 2020, Mahanta’s resignation…
Following a significant loss in the 2024 Odisha Assembly Elections, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has restructured its leadership by appointing five new national spokespersons. Announced by BJD president Naveen Patnaik, the new spokespersons are Santrupt Mishra, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Amar Patnaik, Sasmit Patra, and Pradeep Kumar Majhi. Santrupt Mishra will also serve as…
Colour Change and Rebranding The popular Laccmi bus service in Odisha has undergone a significant transformation. Reports on Tuesday confirmed that the buses, originally green, have now been painted orange. Along with the color change, the name has also been altered from Laccmi Bus to Mukhya Mantri Bus Seva, which translates to Chief Minister Bus…
The Mahanadi water dispute has resurfaced as a contentious issue in Odisha, triggering a heated exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD). At the heart of the dispute lies allegations and counter-allegations regarding past governance and current responsibilities in addressing the water rights of Odisha. BJP Criticism…
The imminent appointment of senior IAS officer Manoj Ahuja as Odisha’s next Chief Secretary has stirred discussions in bureaucratic and political circles. With current Chief Secretary P.K. Jena’s extension ending soon, Ahuja’s selection appears to be almost certain. Here’s a look at the key factors that likely influenced this decision: Seniority and Experience Ahuja, along…
