In a devastating incident in Odisha's Jajpur district, a bus carrying approximately 50 passengers veered off a flyover on National Highway-16 near Barabati, resulting in five fatalities and leaving around 38 individuals injured. The bus, en route from Cuttack to West Bengal's Digha, met with the accident, causing widespread shock and sorrow in the region.

In a significant disciplinary move, the Indian National Congress has expelled Jatani MLA Suresh Kumar Routray from the party for a period of six years. The expulsion comes in response to allegations of indiscipline and engaging in anti-party activities.

At a time when the Congress’s ability to keep the INDIA Bloc intact has been disappointing, the stake of the neutral parties, which are neither with the NDA nor the Opposition alliance could have re-ignited the hope to see a formidable Opposition at the Centre.

Top leaders of the state, including Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attended the core committee meeting chaired by Nadda.

Of the total Rs 2.55 crore provision, Rs 1,03,500 crore has been allocated for administrative expenditure, Rs 1.40 lakh crore for programme expenditure, Rs 3,900 crore for disaster management and Rs 7,600 crore for transfer to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.