Odisha news & politics
The latest news from Odisha, where Mohan Majhi (BJP) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: crime violence, infrastructure, protest opposition.
Majhi government forms commission to assess SEBC political representation before 2027 elections
The Mohan Charan Majhi government constituted a commission headed by Justice Pramath Patnaik to assess political representation of SEBCs before the 2027 elections. Following the Supreme Court’s ‘triple test’ in the K. Krishnamurthy case, the state amended acts in 2021, capping reservations at 50%. Dharmendra Pradhan, Ranendra Pratap Swain, and Srikant Jena commented on the move's timing and impact.
One dead, two injured as oxygen cylinder leak causes explosion at Udala Hospital
One patient died and two people were injured after a huge explosion rocked Udala Hospital in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. The blast occurred when an ambulance caught fire due to an oxygen cylinder leak, causing the vehicle's roof to fall nearly 40 feet away. Firefighters doused the blaze while authorities investigate if a cylinder leak caused the incident reported by NDTV Mayurbhanj.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change grants clearance for Shree Jagannath International Airport
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change granted environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone Clearance for the greenfield Shree Jagannath International Airport on 471.348 ha in Sipasarubali, Puri District. Based on Expert Appraisal Committee recommendations, the project near Biju Patnaik International Airport expects 4.6 million passengers per annum. The Zoological Survey of India is studying bird hazards near Chilka Lake.
INDIA bloc parties hold 12-hour bandh in Odisha to demand repealing MMDR Amendment Act
On October 8, 2026, INDIA bloc parties, including Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP (Sharad Pawar), Samajwadi Party, RJD, and JMM held a 12-hour bandh in Odisha. Protesters blocked roads in ten districts to demand repealing the MMDR (Amendment) Act, resigning State Minister Nityananda Gond and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over textbook errors and alleged SIR irregularities.
BJD asserts equidistance from BJP and Congress following Pramila Mallik's contradictory statements
On October 7, 2026, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) issued a clarification asserting equidistance from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress. This followed Pramila Mallik's contradictory statements regarding an October 8, 2026, 'Odisha Bandh'. Spokesperson Lenin Mohanty stated BJD Rajya Sabha MPs joined a protest against Gyanesh Kumar to oppose voter-list revisions. Santosh Singh Saluja and Manmohan Samal commented on the party's shifting stance.
Odisha forms Justice Pramath Patnaik-led commission to study SEBC representation before next year's polls
The Odisha government constituted a commission on Wednesday to study the numerical strength, political representation, and political backwardness of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) in local self-government institutions. Led by Justice Pramath Patnaik, with Bijay Kumar Prusty and Sujata Mishra, it aims to ensure adequate representation before next year's polls. The previous Biju Janata Dal government estimated the OBC population at 1.95 crore.
Bhubaneswar-based CSM Technologies deploys Royalty Management System for Kenya’s State Department for Mining
CSM Technologies Limited, a Bhubaneswar-based company, deployed Kenya’s Royalty Management System (RMS) for the State Department for Mining via its Kenyan subsidiary. The platform went live on September 28 to manage mineral royalties following a 14.9% growth in mining in 2025. In 2024-25, exports reached approximately US$220 million, generating KSh 991.3 million in royalties for government and communities.
Rajnath Singh proposes ₹5,000 crore investment for AMCA propulsion at HAL Koraput
On October 6, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Koraput to mark the 2,000th aero-engine delivery. Singh proposed a ₹5,000 crore investment for AMCA propulsion, partnering with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI). HAL will invest ₹335 crore to increase AL-31FP production and ₹218 crore for a second Shakti engine line by 2028-29.
Odisha government announces PEG Scheme to create 10 lakh metric tonnes of rice storage
The Odisha government announced the Odisha State Private Entrepreneur Guarantee (PEG) Scheme, 2026 to create 10 lakh metric tonnes of additional rice storage via public-private partnerships. Following procurement rising from 70.88 LMT in 2023–24 to 97.94 LMT in 2025-26, the state spent ₹30126.24 crore. OSCSC currently manages 160 godowns with 6.73 lakh MT capacity. The plan adds 4 lakh metric tonnes in phase one and 6 lakh metric tonnes in phase two.
Odisha to resume student union elections after 8-year suspension starting October 7
On October 5, 2026, the Odisha government announced student union elections will resume after an eight-year suspension since 2017. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the elections to be completed within 10 days. State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj stated notifications occur on October 7, nominations on October 9, elections on October 15, and oath-taking on October 16.
Odisha government to issue guidelines protecting property rights for Persons with Disabilities
Suresh Kumar Vashishth wrote to Arabinda Kumar Padhee to issue guidelines protecting property rights for Persons with Disabilities under the RPwD Act, 2016. The Odisha government move follows advocacy by Dr. Arabinda Mohanty and Bratati Harichandan. It aims to prevent exploitation of individuals like Balunkeswar Paikray, Milan Kumar Das, and Prakash Mohapatra who face land deprivation or procedural hurdles.
High-pressure gas leak at Kumbla poultry waste factory kills 19-year-old Maheshwar Kanhar
On Sunday, October 4, 2026, at around 10 a.m., a high-pressure gas leak from a boiler caused an accident at a poultry waste factory in Ananthapuram Industrial Estate, Kumbla, Kasaragod. The leak threw Maheshwar Kanhar, 19, into a pit where he died during treatment. Workers Tanuja, 24, and Sidhananda, 21, were seriously injured during the rescue.