News Analysis India

Tag: Naveen Patnaik

  • Naveen Patnaik: CM Majhi, DyCMs, Naveen Patnaik take oath as member of Odisha Assembly

    Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, deputy chief ministers – KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida – and BJD president Naveen Patnaik took oath as member of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. Pro-tem Speaker Ranenda Pratap Swain administered the oath of office to the newly elected MLAs including the chief minister and Patnaik here on Tuesday.

    The oath-taking by newly elected members will continue till June 19. The election for the Speaker will be held on June 20.

    As per tradition, the chief minister and other newly-elected MLAs paid floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on arriving at the Assembly. In the recently concluded Assembly elections, the BJP secured a majority by winning 78 Assembly seats followed by BJD (51), Congress (14), CPIM (1) and Independents (3). In the 147-member Odisha Assembly, as many as 82 are first-time MLAs.

    While Majhi is the leader of the House, BJD president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik is expected to be unanimously elected as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).

  • VK Pandian Withdraws From Active Politics After BJD’s Defeat, Says ‘Sorry If Campaign Narrative Against Me…’ |

    Senior BJD leader V K Pandian, a close aide to Odisha’s outgoing chief minister Naveen Patnaik, announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from active politics following the regional party’s defeat in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The former bureaucrat who switched to politics said in a video message, “Now I consciously decide to withdraw myself from active politics. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone in this journey. I am sorry if this campaign narrative against me has had a part to play the Biju Janata Dal’s loss. My apologies to the entire Biju Parivaar including all the ‘karmis’ for this.”

    Pandian claimed that the only reason he entered politics was to support Patnaik, which is why he chose not to run for office. After winning 78 seats in the 147-member assembly, the BJP overthrew the BJD’s 24-year rule in Odisha. Although the Congress won 14 seats and the CPI (M) one, the Patnaik-led party secured 51 seats. The BJP secured 20 seats in the state’s Lok Sabha, while the Congress won one, leaving the BJD without a single seat. “I will always keep Odisha in core of my heart and my Guru Naveen Babu in my breath,” he added.

    Earlier on Saturday, BJD leader and former Odisha chief minister said that criticism of his aide V K Pandian for the party’s disaster was “unfortunate” and that he performed a “great job.” This was Patnaik’s first remarks about Pandian following the shocking election defeat.


    Patnaik said, “He (Pandian) is a person of integrity and honesty and should be remembered for that,” in the face of intense anger from party leaders and members who held the Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrats responsible for the party’s dismal election performance.

    Nonetheless, the five-term chief minister reaffirmed in the same sentence that Pandian was not to be his successor and that the people of Odisha would select their own leader.

  • Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Responds To PM Modi’s Health Concerns, Says ‘I’m Perfectly Fine’ |

    A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to form a panel to probe the “sudden” deterioration of Naveen Patnaik’s health, the Odisha Chief Minister on Thursday said that he is “perfectly fine”. Biju Janta Dal (BJD) supremo dismissed the “concerns” expressed by PM Modi and said that he has been actively campaigning in the State for the last month. The Prime Minister on Wednesday claimed a “conspiracy” behind Patnaik’s failing health. PM Modi also said that a full majority government would be formed at the Centre for the third time in a row after a five-decade gap.

    In an interview with news agency ANI aired on Thursday, Patnaik said that if the PM was so concerned about his health, he would have called him and inquired about his health instead of stating it loudly at a public meeting.

    “If the Prime Minister was so concerned about my health, even recently, he said that I’m a good friend of his; all he needed was to pick up the telephone and inquire about my health instead of stating it loudly at a public meeting three times yesterday. My health is perfectly fine. As you can see, I’ve been campaigning for the last month all over the state,” the Odisha CM said.

    #WATCH | On PM Modi’s statement ‘if BJP comes to power in Odisha, a special committee will be formed to investigate Naveen Babu’s deteriorating health’, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik says “All I have to say is that if PM Modi is so concerned about my health, all he needed was to pick… pic.twitter.com/OkmHdZ1Lrq
    — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2024

    “And instead of the Prime Minister just picking up the telephone and asking me about my health, he has stated it loudly at a public meeting. This means that all he’s trying to do is garner votes during election time,” he said.

    Addressing a poll rally in Baripada for the Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha segment, which goes to vote on June 1, PM Modi said there is a “conspiracy” behind Naveen Patnaik’s sudden deterioration of health and that he would form a committee to look into the Chief Minister’s medical history.
     
    Patnaik claimed that rumours about his health have been spread by BJP leaders for the past decade, and that he has no health issues.
     
    “This rumour has been spread by BJP members in Delhi for the past ten years, with little effect on me. And that is basically all I have to say about it. I have no health problems at all. I am in excellent health. I repeat: I’ve been campaigning for the last month in a very hot season, and I’m fine,” the BJD leader said.
     
    When asked about a viral video showing visible tremors in Patanik’s hand during an election rally, the Odisha chief minister responded, “It’s not a medical condition at all. A visiting BJP chief minister exaggerated the situation for no apparent reason.

  • Odisha’s Political Puzzle: Who Will Lead BJD After Naveen Patnaik? |

    The Biju Janata Dal’s reliance on 77-year-old Naveen Patnaik in Odisha presents a significant opening for the BJP. Amidst the fervor of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly elections, BJP leaders have stirred a fresh political discourse, questioning Patnaik’s 24-year tenure, his age, health, activism, and potential successors.

    In Odisha, voting is underway for both the 147 assembly seats and 21 Lok Sabha seats simultaneously. Naveen Patnaik’s personal charisma stands as a major asset for BJD amidst the extensive elections spanning four phases between May 13 and June 1. His bid for a historic sixth term as Chief Minister looms large. However, the looming question remains: who will succeed Patnaik? By introducing this uncertainty, the BJP has injected a new dynamic into Odisha’s political landscape.

    VK Pandian’s Non-Oriya Background Poses A Significant Challenge For BJD’s Continuity

    In response to such uncertainties, citizens in markets like Kadligarh in Sambalpur district express support for Naveen Babu but are uncertain about his successor. When asked about his longtime associate VK Pandian, concerns arise due to his non-Oriya background. These responses underscore Odisha’s current political trajectory and future challenges. Both the ruling BJD, under Naveen Patnaik’s 24-year stewardship, and the opposition BJP must confront this reality.

    BJP Struggles to Present a Viable Alternative to Naveen Patnaik

    Meanwhile, the BJP, having entered the campaign arena late after failed alliance talks with BJD, struggles to identify a figure in Odisha who can credibly challenge Naveen Patnaik’s dominance. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three visits to the state since the election announcement, the party has yet to showcase a clear leader or leadership group in Odisha.

    Patnaik Government’s Policies Mirror Modi Government’s Approach

    Similar to the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, Naveen Patnaik’s administration in Odisha has maintained a strong hold on the women’s vote bank through empowerment and welfare initiatives. Significant budget allocations have been directed towards healthcare, education, self-reliance, and justice. At the BJD’s silver jubilee celebrations in December 2022, Patnaik emphasized that the party’s longevity hinges on prioritizing women’s empowerment.

    BJD’s Commitment To Women’s Empowerment and Representation

    During the 16th Lok Sabha in 2014, BJD MPs rallied support from other political factions for the Women’s Reservation Bill. The party has continued this momentum by fielding 33 percent women candidates in both the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Patnaik’s personal appeal remains a potent political asset, bolstered by his anti-corruption stance.

    Naveen Patnaik’s Embrace Of Oriya Identity And Aspiration

    In response to BJP’s challenges, Naveen Patnaik has championed Odia aspirations and identity. Despite his accidental entry into politics, Patnaik, educated at Doon School and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, acknowledges Odisha’s unique linguistic heritage as the first linguistically defined state. Unlike many regional leaders, Patnaik has refrained from expanding his party beyond state borders.

  • Arabinda Dhali: Odisha: Jayadev MLA Arabinda Dhali quits BJD, to join BJP

    Sitting MLA of Jayadev Assembly seat in Odisha, Arabinda Dhali resigned from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday, ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha.

    Former state minister Dhali tendered his resignation to BJD Supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

    “I tender my resignation on the dated 01.03.2024 from the primary membership of Biju Janata Dal.You’re requested to kindly accept my resignation. This is for your information and necessary action,” he wrote in his resignation letter.Jayadev Assembly Seat is one of the 7 assembly segments of the Bhubaneswar Parliamentary Constituency.

    While speaking to ANI, Arabinda Dhali said on Saturday that,” I gave my resignation yesterday (01.03.2024) from the primary membership of Biju Janata Dal, sent my letter to honourable CM Naveen Patnaik, and decided to join the BJP. I was in the BJP earlier and now am returning to my home Party. I interact with several leaders of Odisha, including the state BJP president, all are given green signal to join the BJP party. I was inspired by the Honourable PM Modi’s work and Bharat is going to be Viswa Guru. The whole world is giving respect to Narendra Modi. I will dedicate the rest of my life to the BJP and work accordingly for the betterment of the people.”

    He said that he didn’t get the comfort of working in the BJD party, so he decided to join the BJP. He said that, along with him, two thousand workers would join the BJP.Arabinda Dhali is a five-term member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly and, his political career started with the BJP, and he represented Malkangiri in 1992, 1995 and 2000.Later, he joined BJD and successfully contested the Jayadev constituency in 2009 and 2019.

    He had also served as the Transport and Corporation Minister in the BJD-BJP alliance government (2000-2004).

    He left the BJP in April, 2006 with Rama Chandra Panda, a former Deputy Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly, and joined the Bharatiya Janshakti Party of Uma Bharatee . Then, in 2008, he joined the Samajwadi Party and later jumped ship and joined Biju Janata Dal.

    Recently, Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi and former Odisha minister Debasis Nayak have also joined the BJP.

  • Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik clears air on ‘mysterious woman’ accompanying him to Vatican

    By PTI

    BHUBANESWAR: With the opposition raising questions over a “mysterious woman” accompanying Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to his visit to Vatican City last year, the BJD chief clarified that the woman is named Shradha and she is his physiotherapist.

    Clearing the air before the end of the monsoon session on Tuesday, the CM said, “Shradha is a physiotherapist sent by my sister late Gita Mehta to take care of my physical fitness.”

    “She (Shradha) has neither been allotted government quarters nor have her travel bill been paid by Government of Odisha. We should use the precious time in this august House to debate on issues of public interest,” he added.

    Opposition BJP had raised the issue of a “mysterious woman accompanying the CM” both inside and outside the House after photographs and videos of their visit to Vatican City in June last year recently surfaced on social media.

    Earlier, Leader of Opposition Jaynarayan Mishra of the BJP had raised the issue in the assembly, but his statement was not recorded due to din in the House.

    Mishra sought to know who was Shradha and alleged that she was allotted a government house.

    Mishra also alleged that Shradha had accompanied Patnaik to Vatican City during the CM’s visit to seek the blessings of Pope Francis on June 22, 2022.

    He was officially accompanied by his private secretary V K Pandian to meet the Pope on the third day of his trip to Italy.

    He was in Italy at the invitation of the World Food Programme.

    When Leader of Opposition, Sri Jaynarayan Mishra & senior MP, Sri @basantpandabjp ask abt a MYSTERIOUS WOMAN accompanying CM to Vatican and the reasons for her unhindered access to Naveen Nivas, they are described as ‘mad’ by BJD spokesmen !
    — Aparajita Sarangi, Member of Parliament (@AprajitaSarangi) October 3, 2023
    However, opposition BJP had raised questions after videos and photographs showing Shradha greeting the Pope after Patnaik and Pandian went viral on social media.

    Kalahandi’s BJP MP Basanta Panda and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi raised questions about the “mysterious woman”.

    “When Leader of Opposition, Sri Jaynarayan Mishra & senior MP, Sri @basantpandabjp ask abt a MYSTERIOUS WOMAN accompanying CM to the Vatican and the reasons for her unhindered access to Naveen Nivas, they are described as ‘mad’ by BJD spokesmen!” Sarangi wrote on X.

    “There are media reports suggesting that she could be a nurse or therapist. If this were true, this is all the more concerning and the CM of an important State cannot be left to private and secretive treatment. Who selected this therapist? What kind of therapy is going on?” Sarangi added.

    BHUBANESWAR: With the opposition raising questions over a “mysterious woman” accompanying Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to his visit to Vatican City last year, the BJD chief clarified that the woman is named Shradha and she is his physiotherapist.

    Clearing the air before the end of the monsoon session on Tuesday, the CM said, “Shradha is a physiotherapist sent by my sister late Gita Mehta to take care of my physical fitness.”

    “She (Shradha) has neither been allotted government quarters nor have her travel bill been paid by Government of Odisha. We should use the precious time in this august House to debate on issues of public interest,” he added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Opposition BJP had raised the issue of a “mysterious woman accompanying the CM” both inside and outside the House after photographs and videos of their visit to Vatican City in June last year recently surfaced on social media.

    Earlier, Leader of Opposition Jaynarayan Mishra of the BJP had raised the issue in the assembly, but his statement was not recorded due to din in the House.

    Mishra sought to know who was Shradha and alleged that she was allotted a government house.

    Mishra also alleged that Shradha had accompanied Patnaik to Vatican City during the CM’s visit to seek the blessings of Pope Francis on June 22, 2022.

    He was officially accompanied by his private secretary V K Pandian to meet the Pope on the third day of his trip to Italy.

    He was in Italy at the invitation of the World Food Programme.

    When Leader of Opposition, Sri Jaynarayan Mishra & senior MP, Sri @basantpandabjp ask abt a MYSTERIOUS WOMAN accompanying CM to Vatican and the reasons for her unhindered access to Naveen Nivas, they are described as ‘mad’ by BJD spokesmen !
    — Aparajita Sarangi, Member of Parliament (@AprajitaSarangi) October 3, 2023
    However, opposition BJP had raised questions after videos and photographs showing Shradha greeting the Pope after Patnaik and Pandian went viral on social media.

    Kalahandi’s BJP MP Basanta Panda and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi raised questions about the “mysterious woman”.

    “When Leader of Opposition, Sri Jaynarayan Mishra & senior MP, Sri @basantpandabjp ask abt a MYSTERIOUS WOMAN accompanying CM to the Vatican and the reasons for her unhindered access to Naveen Nivas, they are described as ‘mad’ by BJD spokesmen!” Sarangi wrote on X.

    “There are media reports suggesting that she could be a nurse or therapist. If this were true, this is all the more concerning and the CM of an important State cannot be left to private and secretive treatment. Who selected this therapist? What kind of therapy is going on?” Sarangi added.

  • Modi dials Naveen, firms up BJD support in Parliament

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik enjoy a good political rapport, though the BJD differs from the BJP on many issues in the state. Amid persisting suspense over Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) support to the Centre against the Opposition’s no-confidence motion, a call was reportedly made by Modi on Tuesday morning to the Odisha CM. That brought smiles back on BJP MPs’ faces. The BJD agreed to support the BJP-led NDA government against the no-trust motion, which would be tabled in the Lok Sabha possibly on August 8, a source in BJD said.

    A top source in BJP, speaking to this newspaper, confirmed the Modi-Naveen communication. “It changed the entire scenario. Patnaik has spoken to his party colleagues about issuing a three-line whip to support the government against the no-confidence motion as well as the Bill replacing the Delhi ordinance.“Both these leaders enjoy tremendous rapport with each other, which is above party politics. Both of them are development-oriented politicians. The BJD is now against the no-confidence motion and also supports the government on the Delhi ordinance,” said a senior BJD functionary.

    Sources said the Modi-Patnaik conversation lasted a few minutes. The BJD support came even though both these parties in Odisha are against each other on certain issues. The good news for the BJP came as disruptions over the Manipur issue continued to rock the Lok Sabha for the ninth consecutive day on Wednesday. Speaker Om Birla skipped the proceedings on Wednesday to express his displeasure over the conduct of the Opposition and treasury benches alike.

    YSRCP member Midhun Reddy and BJP member Kirit Solanki, who are on the panel of chairpersons, chaired the proceedings in Lok Sabha which saw vociferous protests over the situation in Manipur by Opposition members, who demanded a statement from the Prime Minister. Home Minister Amit Shah had offered to respond to the debate on the Manipur situation, but the Opposition insisted on a statement from the Prime Minister.

    While Reddy was in the chair during the question hour, when Lok Sabha convened for the day at 11 am, Solanki presided over the post-lunch session at 2 pm. On both occasions, Opposition and BJP members were seen raising slogans and the House proceedings were adjourned within minutes of convening.

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik enjoy a good political rapport, though the BJD differs from the BJP on many issues in the state. Amid persisting suspense over Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) support to the Centre against the Opposition’s no-confidence motion, a call was reportedly made by Modi on Tuesday morning to the Odisha CM. That brought smiles back on BJP MPs’ faces. The BJD agreed to support the BJP-led NDA government against the no-trust motion, which would be tabled in the Lok Sabha possibly on August 8, a source in BJD said.

    A top source in BJP, speaking to this newspaper, confirmed the Modi-Naveen communication. “It changed the entire scenario. Patnaik has spoken to his party colleagues about issuing a three-line whip to support the government against the no-confidence motion as well as the Bill replacing the Delhi ordinance.“Both these leaders enjoy tremendous rapport with each other, which is above party politics. Both of them are development-oriented politicians. The BJD is now against the no-confidence motion and also supports the government on the Delhi ordinance,” said a senior BJD functionary.

    Sources said the Modi-Patnaik conversation lasted a few minutes. The BJD support came even though both these parties in Odisha are against each other on certain issues. The good news for the BJP came as disruptions over the Manipur issue continued to rock the Lok Sabha for the ninth consecutive day on Wednesday. Speaker Om Birla skipped the proceedings on Wednesday to express his displeasure over the conduct of the Opposition and treasury benches alike.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    YSRCP member Midhun Reddy and BJP member Kirit Solanki, who are on the panel of chairpersons, chaired the proceedings in Lok Sabha which saw vociferous protests over the situation in Manipur by Opposition members, who demanded a statement from the Prime Minister. Home Minister Amit Shah had offered to respond to the debate on the Manipur situation, but the Opposition insisted on a statement from the Prime Minister.

    While Reddy was in the chair during the question hour, when Lok Sabha convened for the day at 11 am, Solanki presided over the post-lunch session at 2 pm. On both occasions, Opposition and BJP members were seen raising slogans and the House proceedings were adjourned within minutes of convening.

  • Power games: Naveen may go for early state polls in Odisha

    Express News Service

    Winning StrategyNaveen may go for early state polls in Odisha

    Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik is likely to dissolve the state assembly and seek a fresh mandate along with five other states scheduled for fresh elections in November this year. The term of the current assembly expires next May and elections are to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls. Sources said that Patnaik is keen on decoupling the two elections. He plans to dissolve the state assembly well in time for the elections to be held in December along with five other states namely Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram. According to sources, Patnaik feels that simultaneous elections for the assembly and Lok Sabha might prove disadvantageous for his party. He feels the MLAs get engaged in their electioneering and find little time to mobilise voters for the party’s Lok Sabha candidates.  In the last assembly elections, Patnaik’s party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) won a landslide by bagging 112 out of the total 147 seats, while the main opposition party, BJP, could win only 23 seats. Congress came a distant third with nine seats. But in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which were held along with the assembly elections, the BJD could win only 13 out of 21 seats, while the BJP took away eight. Patnaik feels the focus of the party apparatus on winning state elections has hurt the chances in Lok Sabha polls. The BJD chief is not only keen on retaining power in the state but also plans to increase his tally in the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

    Media OutreachPM to restart off-record meetings with scribes

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to start meeting editors and bureau chiefs of media platforms in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Sources said the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the media department at the BJP’s central headquarters are busy preparing a list of invitees for these interactions. The Prime Minister will meet the journalists in batches of eight to ten to discuss governance and politics. Sources said that, unlike similar interactions in his first term where he mostly answered questions, the Prime Minister plans to make this round more interactive. The Chatham House rule is followed in these interactions which allows the attendees to use the information received at the meetings without identifying who said what. Journalists who attended the previous round of interaction spoke about the Prime Minister’s frank and detailed answers to all questions. They said the interactions helped them understand the Prime Minister’s views on crucial issues. The discussions were freewheeling, with no bar on asking any questions. Sources said this time around the Prime Minister will also be asking questions. He would like to know about the effectiveness of his government’s schemes and gaps in policy-making, if any, sources said. The interactions are likely to start next month and the journalists in the national capital have quite a repository of questions for the Prime Minister.

    Winning Strategy
    Naveen may go for early state polls in Odisha

    Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik is likely to dissolve the state assembly and seek a fresh mandate along with five other states scheduled for fresh elections in November this year. The term of the current assembly expires next May and elections are to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls. Sources said that Patnaik is keen on decoupling the two elections. He plans to dissolve the state assembly well in time for the elections to be held in December along with five other states namely Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram. According to sources, Patnaik feels that simultaneous elections for the assembly and Lok Sabha might prove disadvantageous for his party. He feels the MLAs get engaged in their electioneering and find little time to mobilise voters for the party’s Lok Sabha candidates.  In the last assembly elections, Patnaik’s party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) won a landslide by bagging 112 out of the total 147 seats, while the main opposition party, BJP, could win only 23 seats. Congress came a distant third with nine seats. But in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which were held along with the assembly elections, the BJD could win only 13 out of 21 seats, while the BJP took away eight. Patnaik feels the focus of the party apparatus on winning state elections has hurt the chances in Lok Sabha polls. The BJD chief is not only keen on retaining power in the state but also plans to increase his tally in the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Media Outreach
    PM to restart off-record meetings with scribes

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to start meeting editors and bureau chiefs of media platforms in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Sources said the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the media department at the BJP’s central headquarters are busy preparing a list of invitees for these interactions. The Prime Minister will meet the journalists in batches of eight to ten to discuss governance and politics. Sources said that, unlike similar interactions in his first term where he mostly answered questions, the Prime Minister plans to make this round more interactive. The Chatham House rule is followed in these interactions which allows the attendees to use the information received at the meetings without identifying who said what. Journalists who attended the previous round of interaction spoke about the Prime Minister’s frank and detailed answers to all questions. They said the interactions helped them understand the Prime Minister’s views on crucial issues. The discussions were freewheeling, with no bar on asking any questions. Sources said this time around the Prime Minister will also be asking questions. He would like to know about the effectiveness of his government’s schemes and gaps in policy-making, if any, sources said. The interactions are likely to start next month and the journalists in the national capital have quite a repository of questions for the Prime Minister.

  • Political parties start preparations for Dec 5 Padmapur bypoll

    By PTI

    BHUBANESWAR: Political parties have begun preparations for the December 5 by-election to Padmapur assembly constituency in Odisha’s Bargarh district.

    The seat fell vacant after the death of BJD MLA Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha on October 3.

    Sources in major political parties of the state said lobbying for the bypoll ticket is underway.

    The Congress has set up a committee headed by senior leader Kishore Patel for candidate selection, while the BJD is waiting for Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to select a name.

    According to the sources in the saffron party, the BJP may field its former MLA Pradip Purohit.

    Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S K Lohani said that the model code of conduct has come into force in the entire district with the announcement of date for the poll on Saturday.

    Lohani also said that the formal notification for the bypoll will be issued on November 10.

    As per schedule, candidates can file their nomination papers till November 17, while the last date for withdrawal of nomination has been fixed as November 21.

    Votes will be counted on December 8.

    BHUBANESWAR: Political parties have begun preparations for the December 5 by-election to Padmapur assembly constituency in Odisha’s Bargarh district.

    The seat fell vacant after the death of BJD MLA Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha on October 3.

    Sources in major political parties of the state said lobbying for the bypoll ticket is underway.

    The Congress has set up a committee headed by senior leader Kishore Patel for candidate selection, while the BJD is waiting for Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to select a name.

    According to the sources in the saffron party, the BJP may field its former MLA Pradip Purohit.

    Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S K Lohani said that the model code of conduct has come into force in the entire district with the announcement of date for the poll on Saturday.

    Lohani also said that the formal notification for the bypoll will be issued on November 10.

    As per schedule, candidates can file their nomination papers till November 17, while the last date for withdrawal of nomination has been fixed as November 21.

    Votes will be counted on December 8.

  • Naveen Patnaik gets privilege denied to Mamata, may meet Pope in Vatican

    Express News Service

    Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is likely to become India’s first chief minister to meet the Pope, head of Catholic Christians around the world.

    Patnaik is set to embark on a week-long foreign tour in the last week of this month. His first stop will be Dubai, where he is scheduled to attend an investors’ meet. From Dubai, he would proceed to Rome in Italy to meet some more potential investors.

    Sources said efforts are being made to facilitate the chief minister’s meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican City during his visit to Italy.

    This is Patnaik’s first international visit in the last 10 years and the second since he took over as the chief minister of the state. It is reliably learnt that the chief minister’s office has received all clearances from the central government for his foreign trip.

    The Union government had last year denied permission to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to attend a World Peace Conference in Rome. The conference was to be attended by Pope Francis, among others.

    The Centre’s denial of permission to Banerjee had led to a vitriolic attack on the government by the Trinamool Congress Party which accused the Centre of playing “vindictive politics”. Questioning the Centre, Banerjee said, “How many places will you (Centre) not let me visit? You can’t stop me forever.”

    The government, while denying the permission, said that the “event is not commensurate in status for participation by the chief minister of a state”.

    Sources said that the Centre cleared Patnaik’s trip without much ado as the ruling National Democratic Alliance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP may need the support of Odisha chief minister’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the Presidential election scheduled for next month. It is learnt that BJD has a sizable presence in the Presidential electoral college.

    Patnaik had to cut short his trip to London in 2012 as his trusted lieutenant Pyarimohan Mahapatra had tried to rally the support of BJD MLAs and overthrow the chief minister in his absence. Patnaik managed to put down the revolt. But he has not left the country since then.