BJD MP Santrupt Misra has voiced strong concerns over the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, arguing that the government or large financial institutions could easily absorb the costs of maintaining the digital payment network instead of burdening merchants and consumers.
Having governed Odisha for 24 uninterrupted years, the BJD now finds itself in the unfamiliar role of Opposition. Its organisational overhaul following the 2024 defeat has yet to produce a recognisable second line of leadership.
Odisha's BJD has accused the BJP of luring its leaders with inducements after Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray resigned and joined the BJP. The BJD spokesperson criticised Samantaray for criticising the party after enjoying benefits during its tenure.
Odisha's opposition BJD has requested Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to clarify his family's connection with the Vikas Foundation Trust, which is alleged to have purchased properties in the US. BJP leaders have dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign.
A doctor at Berhampur circle jail in Odisha has been suspended for allegedly facilitating a murder-accused BJD leader, Bikram Kumar Panda, to threaten a witness over the phone from inside the prison. The incident led to a fresh case against the doctor, the BJD leader, and his aide.
A 26-year-old woman in Bhubaneswar reported being raped at gunpoint by a masked man who entered her rented flat. Police have launched an investigation, conducted a medical examination, recorded her statement, and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the accused. The opposition BJD has also raised concerns about women's safety in the city.
The BJD alleges that Odisha has become a 'disturbed state' due to rising crime under BJP rule, citing several violent incidents and accusing the government of failing to maintain law and order. The BJP government refutes the allegations, claiming an increased conviction rate and swift arrests.
At least 14 persons were killed and several others injured after an out-of-control truck ran over devotees gathered near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior late on Saturday night, breaking through a police checkpoint and damaging the temple's gate and outer wall.
BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has voiced concerns over the Centre's decision to introduce Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, urging protection for small traders and common people. This move has sparked a political debate, with the BJP defending the charges as beneficial for digital infrastructure and largely not impacting consumers, while the Congress and traders' associations criticise it as an additional burden.
'Dara's case can strengthen the perception among sections of the BJP's traditional support base.'
Police visited the residence of BJD MLA Manorama Mohanty in connection with a case against her husband, who is accused of threatening a tehsildar. The BJD alleges political vendetta by the BJP.
Students and political parties in Odisha are protesting widespread errors in school textbooks, demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. The CJP has extended support to the Navnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan's 'satyagraha', while the state government has begun distributing corrected textbooks.
The Aam Aadmi Party's latest financial disclosures reveal a substantial 68% decline in contributions for 2025-26.
Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that attempts were made to "mislead" Gen Z during the NEET paper leak protests, prompting his resignation, and also addressed criticism from former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
The Supreme Court stated it has not approved any modifications to Form 6, used for electoral roll inclusion, during the Special Intensive Revision. This observation came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging alleged unilateral decisions by the Chief Election Commissioner regarding changes to Form 6 and electoral roll revisions in states like Goa and West Bengal, without the concurrence of his colleagues. The court issued notice on the plea, highlighting concerns over collective decision-making within the Election Commission.
The BJD is demanding the dismissal of Odisha's Health minister and the arrest of a BJP MLA for allegedly violating laws during Ram Navami processions. The allegations include riding a motorbike without a helmet and firing a gun in public.
BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has called for Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's intervention to restore law and order after an attack on the residence of senior BJD leader Pratap Jena. The incident has sparked a political row, with allegations of internal conflict within the BJD.
Odisha Police visited the residence of BJD MLA Manorama Mohanty in connection with a case against her husband for allegedly threatening a tehsildar. The MLA alleges political vendetta and misconduct by the police, while the BJP calls for due process.
The Congress party has strongly refuted claims by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance Chairperson Bhartruhari Mahtab that opposition MPs supported levying a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions. Congress MP Manish Tewari termed Mahtab's remarks "erroneous and fallacious," clarifying that the committee's recommendation was to "explore" revenue models, not to implement MDR. The party accused Mahtab of misleading due to his recent switch to the BJP.
BJD leader Naveen Patnaik has criticised the BJP government in Odisha for its alleged failure to address the rising number of crimes against women, speaking on International Women's Day.
Odisha Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the attack on a BJD leader and chairperson in the Ganjam district. The incident sparked political reactions and protests, with investigations ongoing to determine the exact cause.
An administrative inquiry has been ordered after a man in Odisha was allegedly forced to carry his sister's skeleton to a bank to withdraw money. The BJD has alleged further mistreatment, claiming he was made to re-bury the remains. The bank denies asking for the corpse, stating they only required a death certificate.
Odisha Police's STF and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating the rescue of five baby orangutans in Balasore, suspecting an international wildlife trafficking network. The probe focuses on a black SUV seen near the rescue site and potential routes from West Bengal, with officials believing the animals were trafficked from Southeast Asia. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for stringent action against those involved.
Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, wife of former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian, has formally joined the BJD. Naveen Patnaik welcomed her, emphasising her experience as an IAS officer and her work with women. Patnaik also clarified that he would continue to lead the BJD in the next elections, despite speculation about Sujata taking over. Sujata expressed her dedication to serving the people of Odisha under Patnaik's leadership. Her entry into politics follows her husband's withdrawal after the BJD's recent electoral defeat.
The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.
A controversy has erupted in Odisha after Lord Jagannath's idol was moved from the Puri temple to the chariot during the Rath Yatra without its traditional 'Tahia' floral headgear, leading to strong criticism from opposition parties BJD and Congress against the BJP government.
One person died and many others fell ill in a temporary crowd surge during the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha's Puri on Thursday, official sources said.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed strong "anguish" over the Indian hockey team's decision to change its traditional blue jersey to saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup. Patnaik, whose state government previously sponsored the team, criticised the move as "petty politics" and an attempt to erase sporting legacy, alleging pressure from the BJP government in Odisha. Hockey India stated the saffron colour symbolises courage, sacrifice, and new beginnings, inspired by the national flag.
Opposition parties in Odisha, BJD and Congress, have criticised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accusing him of a surge in police brutality. The allegations stem from a custodial death in Ganjam district and other instances of alleged police misconduct. The BJP has defended the government, stating that prompt action has been taken in response to these cases.
A daily wage labourer in Odisha has died in police custody, with his family alleging torture and hot water burns. The state police chief has ordered a high-level probe, and staff at the police station have been transferred.
One more person has been arrested in connection with the lynching of a GRP constable in Odisha's Khurda district, bringing the total number of arrests to twelve. The Crime Branch of Odisha Police is investigating the murder and allegations against the constable.
The BJP's decision to nominate three former TMC MPs for Rajya Sabha bypolls immediately after their induction into the party signals a strategic shift towards consolidating its position in West Bengal politics through selective accommodation of opposition leaders and organisational expansion.
Odisha's and Telangana's principal opposition parties, the Biju Janata Dal and the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi, on Monday announced that their MPs will abstain from voting in the vice presidential elections.
A man and his female friend were assaulted in Berhampur, Odisha, leading to political condemnation and allegations of deteriorating law and order under the BJP government.
A 15-year-old girl in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district fainted after a police officer allegedly threatened her with a seven-year jail term if her harassment complaint turned out to be false. The opposition BJD has demanded action against the officer, accusing him of mental harassment.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed civil and police authorities to collaborate in curbing organised crime, instilling fear among criminals, and building public confidence. This follows a review of the state's law and order situation after recent incidents, including a mob lynching and a murder case.
Several Biju Janata Dal workers and leaders, including two former ministers, were injured in a scuffle with police personnel in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday during a party's protest over the death of a college student, who set herself on fire in Odisha's Balasore district.
Its strength is set to increase by 3 seats once the current round of Rajya Sabha polls for 27 seats are concluded on June 28.
An administrative inquiry has been ordered after a man in Odisha's Keonjhar district was allegedly forced to carry his sister's skeleton to a bank as proof of death to withdraw money. The BJD has alleged further mistreatment, claiming he was made to walk 3 km to re-bury the remains.
Opposition parties in Odisha, including the BJD and Congress, have criticised the ruling BJP for failing to maintain law and order after a violent attack in Puri district. The incident, captured in a viral video, has sparked concerns about public safety and governance in the state.
