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.
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.
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.
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.
Odisha is in shock after a pregnant woman was brutally murdered in Ganjam district. Political leaders are calling for swift action and justice for the victim and her orphaned daughter.
A man and his female friend were allegedly assaulted with sticks by a group of people in Odisha's Berhampur city, triggering outrage after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
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.
Change of guard in some states and evolving El Nino dynamics are triggering fresh actions on raging water-sharing disputes in several states.
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 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.
Odisha's Ganjam police have detained two individuals in connection with the assault on a young couple in Berhampur. The incident, which occurred in full public view, has sparked outrage and prompted a police investigation to apprehend the remaining suspects.
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.
Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.
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.
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.
BJD leader Naveen Patnaik has criticised the BJP government in Odisha for its alleged failure to protect women, while the Deputy Chief Minister defends the government's record and accuses Patnaik's previous administration of similar shortcomings.
Four policemen have been suspended and two home guards disengaged from service in Odisha following the lynching of a GRP constable. The crime branch is investigating the incident, which occurred after allegations of attempted sexual assault. Opposition parties have criticised the state government over the incident.
A controversy has erupted within Hockey India over the national teams' new saffron jerseys, replacing the traditional blue.
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's Chief Electoral Officer has ordered a thorough verification of nearly 1 million voter deletions following complaints of wrongful removals, particularly concerning deceased voters and those who may have shifted residences.
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.
Former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh was assaulted by a mob in West Bengal after his arrest in connection with the alleged "hurried cremation" of an RG Kar hospital doctor. Ghosh, along with another accused, Sanjib Mukherjee, faced public anger and physical attacks while being escorted by police. The arrests follow a fresh complaint by the victim's father, alleging the former MLA's influence in forcing the cremation, an aspect now under renewed investigation.
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.
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.
A tribal man in Odisha was forced to carry his sister's exhumed skeleton to a bank to prove her death and withdraw her money, sparking outrage and prompting government intervention.
Three people were electrocuted and one injured in Dhenkanal district, Odisha, while setting up a stage for a cultural programme. The incident occurred when a metal object touched an 11 kV overhead power line.
India's men's hockey team has experienced a varied journey in the World Cup, from winning bronze in 1971 and gold in 1975 to a prolonged period without a podium finish.
Police in Odisha have made a fifth arrest in connection with the lynching of a man accused of attempted sexual assault. The victims, however, are requesting the release of those arrested, claiming they saved their lives.
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.
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.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.
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.
The Odisha Assembly was temporarily adjourned due to a heated exchange between the opposition BJD and the ruling BJP regarding the state's law and order situation, sparked by allegations of rising crime and attacks on public officials.
In the remote tribal village of Pahadpur, preparations are in full swing as it looks to script history.
The Congress party in Odisha has moved its MLAs to Karnataka due to concerns about cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Meanwhile, the BJD has called for meetings of its legislators.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced significant progress in combating Maoist insurgency, stating it will soon be a thing of the past. He also addressed concerns about crimes against women, highlighting the government's commitment to justice and a zero-tolerance policy.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led central government of playing 'dangerous games' with Punjab, alleging the misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI for political purposes.
Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.
Three former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MPs, including Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday and, within hours, were named the saffron party's candidates for the Rajya Sabha bypolls from West Bengal, underlining both their political rehabilitation and the party's calibrated shift in inducting leaders from the erstwhile ruling dispensation.
Normal life in Odisha's Rairangpur area was disrupted due to a bandh called by the Mayurbhanj Adivasi Ekata Manch, protesting the arrest of 34 tribals following a clash with police during a protest on March 13. The bandh was supported by several political parties and tribal organisations, affecting shops, transport, and educational institutions.
