BJP govt’s anniv celebrations to be low-key this year

Bhubaneswar: As the BJP govt in Odisha is set to complete two years in office on June 12, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday directed that the anniversary be observed for 10 days in a low-key manner, citing the ongoing national situation triggered by the prolonged West Asia conflict.At a preparatory meeting, Majhi emphasised that instead of lavish celebrations, the focus would be on highlighting the govt’s achievements over the past two years through a series of public outreach programmes scheduled from June 12 to 21.“The chief minister has stressed that the success stories of welfare schemes and developmental initiatives must be effectively communicated to citizens. During the 10-day observance, programmes will be held at both the state and district levels under seven different themes highlighting the state’s progress in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, industries, skill development, health and women empowerment,” the chief minister’s office said in a statement.Majhi said that since these achievements are meant for the people, efforts should be made to ensure that success stories reach every citizen.As part of the plan, the govt’s accomplishments will be disseminated through print, electronic and social media, along with the publication of booklets. The celebrations will also outline the govt’s vision and goals for 2026-2036.Majhi further directed ministers to hold press conferences highlighting their departmental achievements and to publish leaflets and booklets showcasing progress. “Through this, our vision for prosperity and public welfare will effectively reach the people,” he said.Revenue minister Suresh Pujari said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to attend a special programme commemorating the anniversary. “We have planned a series of dedicated events that will be observed in a simple, non-extravagant manner, in line with the govt’s focus on expenditure control and austerity measures. We will invite the PM,” Pujari said, adding that the chief minister has started assessing the progress reports of each department.Modi had visited Odisha on June 20 last year to mark the first anniversary of the Majhi-led govt, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore.