Odisha news & politics
The latest news from Odisha, where Mohan Majhi (BJP) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: crime violence, protest opposition, infrastructure.
Activists petition Odisha Governor over "indiscriminate arrests" of protesters opposing Vedanta mining
Prafulla Samantara and Ranjana Padhi petitioned Odisha Governor Braj Mohan Ram on October 19, 2026, regarding the "indiscriminate arrests" of protesters opposing Vedanta Group bauxite mining in Kalahandi and Rayagada. Activists Randall Sequeira and Laxman Naik were detained on October 16. Samantara also highlighted tribal leader Lada Sikaka facing non-bailable charges despite the Gram Sabhas rejecting the mining proposal.
Dr. Randall Sequeira and Laxman Naik arrested for allegedly instigating tribals to attack security
On October 16, 2026, police arrested Dr. Randall Sequeira and Laxman Naik in Kalahandi district for allegedly instigating tribals to attack security personnel during an April 2026 protest against mining in Kantamal village, Rayagada. The Concerned Citizens Committee, Odisha condemned the arrests as repression. South Western Range DIG Akhileshvar Singh stated both face charges including attempt to murder and rioting.
Naveen Patnaik questions BJP silence on Andhra Pradesh panchayat elections in Kotia villages
On Monday (October 19, 2026), BJD president Naveen Patnaik sent a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi questioning if the BJP's dependence on TDP caused silence regarding Andhra Pradesh's notification for panchayat elections in three villages of Kotia. Suresh Pujari stated the government will thwart provocative attempts, while Rama Chandra Kadam alleged "double standards" regarding Odisha's territorial integrity.
3 of 5 rescued baby orangutans have anaemia; officials investigate suspected wildlife smuggling
On September 16, 2026, Nandankanan Zoological Park officials reported three of five rescued baby orangutans have anaemia. Rescued from Balasore district on September 8, the animals are undergoing health checks and DNA testing to investigate suspected wildlife smuggling. While Sanath Kumar N. stated their condition is stable, Goutam Buddha Das urged Mohan Charan Majhi to involve the CBI or NIA.
Rare dicephalic parapagus twin dies from complex respiratory problems at MKCG Medical College
A rare conjoined twin with dicephalic parapagus died on Saturday at MKCG Medical College and Hospital one week after being born on October 11. The 2.25 kg male infant, born to a 22-year-old worker in Kandhamal district, had two heads, two necks, one heart, and one liver. Sudeepa Dash and Manas Ranjan Dash confirmed the twin died from complex respiratory problems.
Braj Mohan Ram sworn in as 28th Governor of Odisha at Lok Bhavan
Braj Mohan Ram was sworn in as the 28th Governor of Odisha on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Lok Bhavan. Orissa High Court Chief Justice Harish Tandon administered the oath to the three-time Lok Sabha MP from Palamu in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy. President Droupadi Murmu appointed him on October 12, 2026, succeeding Hari Babu Kambhampati.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi to construct 2,91,666 additional houses under Antyodaya Gruha Yojana
On October 15, 2026, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced constructing 2,91,666 additional houses under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana by extending its tenure to 2029. The Chief Minister’s Office stated the ₹7,550 crore outlay remains unchanged, but ₹3,500 crore from repairs will fund new homes for beneficiaries receiving ₹48,500 or less. Incentives were revised to ₹35,000 for five-month completion and ₹20,000 for seven months.
Odisha Vigilance arrests Superintending Engineer after seizing ₹21.88 lakh in unaccounted cash
On October 17, 2026, the Odisha Vigilance arrested Prasanjit Das, Superintending Engineer of the Mahanadi Northern Division, after seizing ₹21.88 lakh in unaccounted cash. Officials seized ₹7.28 lakh from his possession and ₹14.60 lakh at a rented flat in Bhubaneswar. The accused allegedly collected bribes from contractors at the Jagatpur irrigation inspection bungalow. Das joined service in 2016.
ABVP wins 8 of 13 state university posts in Odisha's October 15 elections
On October 17, 2026, Amit Shah praised the ABVP for winning eight of 13 state universities and various college posts in Odisha's October 15 elections. The RSS-affiliated group won eight president, eight vice-president, 10 secretary, and 11 assistant general secretary positions. While BCJD won five presidencies and NSUI one general secretary post, Ipsita Sahoo claimed 55 to 60 per cent of college unions.
ABVP and BCJD claim victory in Odisha student union elections after eight-year gap
On October 15, 2026, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) claimed victories in Odisha student union elections after an eight-year gap. The Higher Education Department declared 1,398 winners across 153 colleges; 642 won contested seats and 756 were unopposed. ABVP claimed dominance in Ganjam, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj districts, while BCJD won presidents' posts at four universities including Ravenshaw University and Rama Devi Women’s University. Lenin Mohanty, a Biju Janata Dal spokesperson, alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party misused government machinery to arrest Ipsita Sahu and abduct candidates.
Panchayat polls to use ballot papers while urban local body polls use EVMs
State Election Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi announced that ballot papers will be used for panchayat polls while urban local body polls next year will use EVMs. The state requires 3.36 lakh EVMs for 91,000 booths, but costs are high. A house-to-house survey begins October 26, 2026, to prepare electoral rolls for Panchayat and Municipal Elections–2027, with draft rolls published January 1, 2027.
Braj Mohan Ram sparks controversy by vowing to strengthen BJP among Odisha's Scheduled Castes
Braj Mohan Ram, a Dalit leader and three-time former BJP MP, sparked controversy by stating he would strengthen the party among Scheduled Castes in Odisha to gain votes. Bhakta Charan Das of Odisha Congress and Naveen Patnaik of Biju Janata Dal condemned his remarks before he took oath, questioning his impartiality as he succeeds Hari Babu Kambhampati.
