Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of various development projects in Nuapada district
| Photo Credit: PTI
Ahead of the by-election in the Nuapada Assembly constituency, necessitated by the demise of former Minister Rajendra Dholakia, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Monday announced the upgradation of three major areas to urban status and unveiled development projects worth ₹1,100 crore for the western Odisha district.
“As part of our government’s focus on the development of all districts, I announce upgrading the Notified Council Area (NAC) status of Khariar Road into a municipality, NAC status for Komna block headquarters town and creation of another NAC in the name of Sinapali by taking Sinapali and Godal gram panchayats of Nuapada district,” said Mr. Majhi while addressing a public meeting in Nuapada.
This came just hours before the Election Commission announced the polling date for the Nuapada Assembly constituency, which will be held on November 11.
Before the Model Code of Conduct came into force, Odisha Chief Minister said, “During the Maraguda Mahotsav in April this year, I had visited the district and inaugurated projects worth ₹320 crore. Today again, I have announced projects worth a total of ₹1,100 crore for Nuapada.”
Nuapada, which shares a border with Chhattisgarh, is 500 km from the State capital Bhubaneswar. Nuapada Assembly constituency is part of Kalahandi Lok Sabha seat.
“I am extremely delighted to visit Nuapada district for the second time in the last 15 days. Even though this district is far from the State capital, I have come here again today to uphold my earlier commitment to give due importance to the development of Nuapada. I will personally monitor the district’s development progress and will visit as often as required,” the Chief Minister said.
“Our double-engine government is committed to harnessing the potential of the ambitious and hardworking people of this region. In the past, the undivided Kalahandi and Nuapada districts experienced regional imbalance, but now we are giving equal importance to every part of the State,” he added.
The ₹1,100-crore package includes the inauguration of 109 projects constructed at a cost of over ₹64 crore and the foundation-laying of 39 new projects worth over ₹159 crore. Similarly, ₹802 crore is allocated exclusively for irrigation.
“For administrative convenience, it has been decided to open sub-registration offices in all tahasils of the State. In the first phase, this service is being launched today in Sinapali, Komna, and Boden tahasils of Nuapada district,” Mr. Majhi said.
Congress counter-attack
Meanwhile, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das led a massive bike rally from Khariar to Khariar Road as part of the party’s ‘Nyay Yatra’.
“We have been with Dalit and Adivasi for ages. Odisha Chief Minister just made a hastened visit before the announcement of election dates. It was nothing, but harnessing electoral benefits,” said Mr. Das.
He also hinted at fielding Ghasiram Majhi as the Congress candidate. Mr. Ghasiram Majhi had contested as an independent in the last election after being denied a Congress ticket and secured more votes than the official candidate.
“Now, our prospects are bright as we will be supported by Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Class communities,” said Mr. Das.
Published – October 06, 2025 10:55 pm IST
