Odisha MLA news Archives - Odisha Connect

Former Odisha Minister and Bhatli MLA Sushant Singh Passes Away

OdishaConnect — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:38:33 +0000

Former Odisha Minister and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Sushant Singh, the sitting MLA from Bhatli Assembly constituency, passed away late on Monday night while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He breathed his last at Apollo Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of public service spanning over a decade.

A three-time MLA from Bhatli in Bargarh district, Sushant Singh was regarded as one of the most influential political leaders in western Odisha. His demise has cast a pall of gloom over the state’s political circles, with leaders across party lines expressing condolences and paying tribute to his contributions to public life.

Born in Bausenmura village under Sohela block in Bargarh district, Sushant Singh was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Bhatli constituency in 2009, 2014 and 2019, securing three consecutive terms. During his political career, he earned recognition for his close connect with the people and his focus on development initiatives in his constituency.

In the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government, Sushant Singh held several key portfolios, including Minister for Labour & Employees’ State Insurance and later Minister for Rural Development. He also served as the Chairman of the Bargarh District Planning Committee, playing a significant role in planning and implementing development projects in the district.

Known for his grassroots leadership and organisational skills, Singh remained one of the prominent faces of the BJD in western Odisha. His political career was marked by efforts to improve rural infrastructure, strengthen welfare programmes and address public grievances.

Following news of his demise, tributes poured in from political leaders, party workers and supporters. Leaders from the BJD as well as other political parties expressed deep sorrow and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family, remembering Singh as a dedicated public representative who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people.

His passing is being widely mourned across Bargarh district and other parts of western Odisha, where he enjoyed considerable public support and respect. His death marks the end of an important chapter in Odisha politics, particularly in the Bhatli constituency, where he remained a popular and influential leader for over 15 years.

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Banki Stands by Devi Ranjan: Massive Show of Strength After Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting

OdishaConnect — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 10:59:10 +0000

Banki MLA Debi Ranjan Tripathy received a rousing استقبال from thousands of supporters days after his controversial cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections. The welcome turned into a massive public spectacle, with a bike rally stretching from Jatamundia Chowk to Banki market.

Supporters lined the streets waving banners and chanting slogans in praise of Biju Patnaik, with “Biju Patnaik Amar Rahe” echoing across the town. Women greeted the MLA with flower garlands, while notably, no official party flags were displayed—highlighting a shift toward personal and ideological loyalty over party identity.

Cross-Voting Sparks Political Storm
Tripathy’s decision to defy the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leadership and support independent candidate Dilip Ray played a crucial role in altering the outcome of the elections. The move contributed to a major upset, where the BJD-Congress alliance lost a key Rajya Sabha seat despite having numerical strength.

The cross-voting incident has triggered a political crisis within the party, with the leadership issuing show-cause notices to several rebel MLAs, including Tripathy.

‘Guided by Biju Patnaik’s Ideals’
Defending his decision, Tripathy stated that his vote was guided by the ideological legacy of Biju Patnaik. He argued that supporting Dilip Ray was consistent with Biju Patnaik’s long-standing anti-Congress stance.

He also criticized the party’s alignment, calling the BJD-Congress understanding an “unholy alliance” that deviates from the founding principles of the party.

Public Endorsement Strengthens Position
The overwhelming استقبال in Banki reflects strong grassroots backing for the MLA. Many supporters described his move as principled and courageous.

“According to Biju Baba’s ideals, we voted,” said one supporter, reinforcing the sentiment that Tripathy’s actions resonate with the original vision of the party’s founder.

Focus on Development Amid Controversy
Addressing the gathering, Tripathy expressed gratitude for the public support and reaffirmed his commitment to development.

“The love and respect of the people inspire me to work harder for Banki’s progress,” he said, adding that he will continue to prioritize the welfare of his constituents.

Uncertain Road Ahead for BJD Rebels
As tensions continue within the BJD, the fate of the rebel MLAs remains uncertain. With disciplinary proceedings underway and political equations shifting rapidly, the coming days are likely to be crucial in determining whether the crisis escalates or finds a resolution.

The grand استقبال in Banki, however, sends a clear message—despite internal party turmoil, Debi Ranjan Tripathy continues to command significant public support in his constituency.

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No Regrets: Expelled Moquim Stands by Critique, Eyes Continued Political Role

OdishaConnect — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:46:02 +0000

The Congress party has expelled former Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammad Moquim over alleged “anti-party activities,” following his scathing letter to party chief Sonia Gandhi that criticised senior leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Bhakta Charan Das. The move has sparked debate about internal accountability and the party’s need for reform.

Letter to Leadership Triggers Swift Action

Moquim’s letter reportedly highlighted issues he believes are holding the party back. The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee promptly escalated the matter to the national leadership, which led to Moquim’s expulsion. Sources say the party viewed the letter as a serious breach of discipline.

Moquim Responds: “Ideology Can’t Be Expelled”

Speaking to the media after the expulsion, Moquim expressed gratitude for the coverage and reiterated his commitment to Congress ideology. “Sure, they’ve thrown me out, but nobody can wipe Congress ideology from my mind,” he said. He emphasised that his intention was to provoke introspection within the party, rather than create division. “If telling the truth gets me expelled, I’m fine with that,” he added.

Politics as Public Service, Not Personal Gain

Moquim indicated that he remains committed to serving the public and plans to consult with his supporters before deciding his next steps. He cited Rahul Gandhi’s words about courage and standing by one’s convictions, saying he has no regrets about the letter and hopes it prompts meaningful reform within the party.

Daughter Sofia Not Dragged into Controversy

He also clarified that his daughter, Sofia Moquim, will make her own political decisions, and he is not involving her in the current issue. Analysts and party members are now watching closely to see whether this expulsion is an isolated incident or a catalyst for broader change within the Odisha Congress.

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BJD Leader Dillip Nayak Arrested in 12.42 Crore Land Scam

OdishaConnect — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:03:19 +0000

Arrest by Odisha EOW

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch has arrested Dillip Nayak, a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader, in a high-profile land fraud case involving ₹12.42 crore. Nayak, who contested the 2024 Assembly elections from the Nimapara constituency, was taken into custody following a detailed investigation.

Complaint and Allegations

The case stems from a complaint lodged by Bijay Raut, a resident of Cuttack’s Ranihat area. According to the complaint:

Raut paid ₹7.42 crore to Nayak to purchase land in the Pandara area of Bhubaneswar.
Nayak allegedly demanded an additional ₹2 crore from Raut.
Despite receiving a total of ₹9.42 crore, Nayak registered the land in his own name instead of transferring it to Raut.
Multiple follow-ups by Raut reportedly went unanswered, prompting him to file a case at Badambadi Police Station, which eventually led to EOW intervention.

Investigation and Arrest

Following the complaint, EOW officials conducted a thorough investigation, including a raid at Nayak’s residence, and gathered sufficient evidence for his arrest. Sources confirm that the investigation will continue, focusing on tracking the money trail and identifying any possible accomplices.

Political Fallout

The arrest has sent shockwaves through political circles, leaving the ruling BJD unsettled, as Nayak was a key leader in the Puri district election campaign. While the party has not yet issued an official statement, political analysts suggest that this incident could impact the BJD’s image, especially ahead of local body elections.

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Liquor Policy Shift: Odisha Clears Reopening of Dozens of Alcohol Retailers

OdishaConnect — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 13:54:16 +0000

Government Decision Announced

Odisha has taken a significant step by deciding to reopen 70 previously locked liquor shops that had remained closed for extended periods across various districts. The announcement was made in the Assembly session by Prithviraj Harichandan, Excise Minister, in response to a query raised by MLA Akhil Chandra Nayak.

Modernisation and Revenue Focus

The state government aims to modernise the liquor trade and boost excise revenue through this initiative. In addition to reopening old outlets, proposals for four new premium liquor shops and three new liquor manufacturing units have been received by the Excise Department.

District-Wise Reopening Plan

The reopening of liquor shops is planned as follows:

Balasore: 17 shops (highest)
Ganjam: 10 shops
Nayagarh: 9 shops
Mayurbhanj: 8 shops
Cuttack: 7 shops
Rourkela: 5 shops
Brahmapur: 4 shops
Kendujhar: 3 shops
Kandhamal: 3 shops
Balangir: 2 shops
Malkangiri & Sambalpur: 1 shop each

Proposals for New Outlets and Breweries

The Excise Department has received proposals for:

Four new premium liquor outlets: Three in Puri, one in Bhubaneswar
Three new liquor manufacturing units: Two in Dhenkanal, one in Cuttack

These proposals are under review, and approvals are expected once compliance with regulations and local administrative protocols is ensured.

Policy Implications and Public Reaction

The government expects this move to increase state revenue and allow better regulation of the liquor trade. At the same time, public health and social impacts remain a sensitive topic. The Excise Department has assured that all reopened and new outlets will be strictly regulated.

Excise Minister Harichandan highlighted that this step is also part of the state’s strategy to curb illegal liquor sales, ensuring that alcohol trade remains legal, controlled, and monitored.

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