Odisha Times TV

09/07/2025

09/07/2025

MANMOHAN SAMAL ELECTED ODISHA BJP PRESIDENT

Senior BJP leader Manmohan Samal has been re-elected as the Odisha State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a second consecutive term. His unopposed election was formally declared today by Sanjay Jaiswal, the party’s election observer.

Samal filed his nomination on Monday at the BJP's state headquarters in Bhubaneswar. With no other contender in the fray, his reappointment was a mere formality.

The central leadership’s decision to retain Samal reflects their confidence in his leadership, especially after his crucial role in steering the BJP to its first-ever electoral victory in Odisha in 2024.

This marks Samal’s fourth stint as state BJP chief. He earlier served as the party’s Odisha president between 1999–2000 and again from 2001–2004. He returned to the role in March 2023, just ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Samal’s political journey includes a tenure as Rajya Sabha MP from 2000 to 2004 and election to the Odisha Assembly from Dhamnagar in 2004. He also held key ministerial portfolios in the Odisha government, including Revenue and Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare, between 2004 and 2008.

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01/07/2025

DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER BEGINS PROBE AT GUNDICHA TEMPLE

Odisha’s Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, conducted a spot visit to the site of an alleged stampede near Gundicha temple in Puri, where three devotees tragically lost their lives.

Tasked with leading the inquiry into the incident, Garg was accompanied by the Puri Collector, Superintendent of Police, and the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

During the visit, Garg held preliminary discussions with police officers, temple sebayats, and media personnel to gather insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The tragic event, which occurred near the revered Gundicha temple during a religious gathering, has sparked concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at major pilgrimage sites. The inquiry aims to identify the causes of the alleged stampede and recommend measures to prevent future tragedies.

Garg assured that a comprehensive report will be submitted to the government within a month, detailing the findings and suggesting actionable steps.

The incident has drawn significant attention, with devotees and locals calling for improved safety measures during religious festivals in Puri, a key spiritual hub.

Authorities are under pressure to ensure such incidents do not recur, especially during high-traffic events like the Rath Yatra.

The inquiry’s outcome is expected to influence future safety protocols at religious sites across Odisha.

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01/07/2025

OAS OFFICERS POSTPONE MASS LEAVE AFTER ODISHA CM'S ASSURANCE

The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers have deferred their mass leave following an assurance from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take strong action against those involved in the alleged assault on a senior Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) official.

CM Majhi, along with the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police, held discussions with representatives of the OAS Association last night. During the meeting, the Chief Minister assured that strict action would be taken against all individuals responsible for the incident.

Responding to the CM’s appeal to trust the legal process, the OAS Association has decided to postpone the mass leave that was scheduled to begin on July 1. However, the Association clarified that the protest has not been called off entirely.

The officers had earlier announced a mass leave to protest the alleged assault on BMC Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo. The incident reportedly occurred inside the BMC office during a grievance redressal meeting, when a group of miscreants physically attacked the senior official.

Condemning the attack, the OAS Association had passed a unanimous resolution seeking exemplary punishment for the culprits and demanded enhanced security measures for government officers at their workplaces.

Commissionerate Police have registered a case and arrested three individuals in connection with the incident.

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13/04/2025

MAOIST ACTIVITIES RISING IN 3 DISTRICTS OF ODISHA, ALLEGES BJD

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has failed to contain Maoist activities in Odisha.

The Naveen Patnaik-led party claimed that Maoist activities in the state have gone up in last 10 months.

According to the Opposition party, Maoist activities have increased in at least three districts of Odisha since the formation of BJP government in the state.

“Naxal activities have gone up in Dhenkanal, Jajpur and Keonjhar districts of Odisha. Reports claimed that Naxals were recruiting new cadres and collecting money from people in these districts some days ago. The state government is yet to show any urgency even though the issue has been highlighted by the media several times recently,” said BJD leader and former minister Priti Ranjan Ghadai at a press conference here today.

The BJD leader claimed that the Naxal activities had declined to the minimum level in Odisha during the BJD rule. However, the trend got reversed in last 10 months.

“The Maoist activities in the state had declined due to the steps introduced by successive BJD governments. Odisha had been declared as a Maoist-free state way back in 2013. It is unfortunate and concerning that Maoist activities have resurged after 11–12 years,” Ghadai added.

The former minister further claimed that rise in Maoist activities has threatened the internal security in Odisha. This may affect state’s development by discouraging new investments.

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13/04/2025

CHANDI BHANDAR EXPANDS WITH THE GRAND OPENING OF ITS 20TH STORE IN BHUBANESWAR

Chandi Bhandar, Odisha’s largest and most trusted silver jewelry brand, proudly announces the grand opening of its landmark 20th store at Lewis Road, Bhubaneswar, on April 11, marking a monumental milestone in its glittering 11-year journey. Known for redefining silver craftsmanship and setting new standards in purity and design, Chandi Bhandar continues to reign as the undisputed leader in the silver jewelry industry.

The new store, strategically located on Lewis Road, spans an impressive ~1500 sq. ft., offering a thoughtfully curated ambiance with graceful layouts and captivating displays. Designed to reflect modern luxury blended with timeless tradition, the store showcases silver artistry at its finest, delivering an immersive and inspiring shopping experience.

The inauguration will be graced by the Hon’ble Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, Member of Parliament from Bhubaneswar, and Babu Singh, MLA from Ekamra-Bhubaneswar—adding grace to the occasion and emphasizing the cultural significance of Chandi Bhandar’s growth in the heart of the capital.

To celebrate this grand opening, the Lewis Road store brings an exquisite selection of sterling silver jewelry for all occasions. From hallmarked utensils to premium accessories crafted from 92.5% Pure Sterling Silver, every piece reflects enduring artistry and intricate craftsmanship.

As a special launch offer, Chandi Bhandar is offering up to 30% off on making charges from April 11th to 17th, 2025—making it the perfect time to discover the brand’s signature silver creations. “We are proud to launch our 20th store in the heart of Bhubaneswar on Lewis Road, a city that has always embraced our vision. This store represents a new chapter in our journey—bringing beauty, trust, and silver excellence even closer to our customers,” said Mrs. Lipsa Hans, Founder of Chandi Bhandar. As part of its continued expansion, Chandi Bhandar will also be launching a new store near Raghunath during Akshaya Tritiya, offering more reasons for customers to celebrate this auspicious occasion with silver that tells their story.

29/03/2025

25/03/2025

BMC ALLOCATES PUCCA HOUSES TO 162 FAMILIES IN MANDAP BASTI

In a special event organized in the North Zone, the allotments were conducted through a lottery system, ensuring fairness and transparency.

The occasion was graced by Honourable Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, along with prominent figures like Bhubaneswar Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, North MLA Sushant Kumar Raut, Mayor Smt. Sulochana Das, and BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.

The allotment process gave priority to differently-abled beneficiaries, who were allocated ground-floor houses via a special lottery draw.

The Rajiv Awas Yojana project in Mandap Basti involves constructing five blocks at a cost of over ₹29 crore, each capable of housing 80 families. This initiative aims to provide affordable and sustainable housing, complete with essential facilities like water supply, electricity, and sanitation, for low-income families.

Recipients expressed overwhelming gratitude and joy, some shedding tears of happiness as they finally moved into their dream homes.

The BMC is committed to allocating housing to all slum residents in its jurisdiction and plans to extend these efforts progressively.

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