Bhubaneswar, Sept. 1 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik are set to travel to New Delhi on Tuesday for separate engagements, with their coinciding visits drawing attention in the state’s political circles.
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While Majhi will be on a two-day official visit, Patnaik is scheduled to spend seven days in the national capital for what has been described as a personal visit.
The Chief Minister is slated to depart for Delhi at around 3:30 pm to participate in the first departmental summit of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, an initiative launched as part of the Centre’s series of ministry-level consultations aimed at strengthening coordination with states.
The two-day summit will focus on key issues in the water sector, including timely implementation of water infrastructure projects, the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari–Catch the Rain campaign, sustainability of drinking water sources, and operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
Officials said the meeting is intended to improve Centre-state collaboration and accelerate the implementation of water-related programmes across the country.
Meanwhile, BJD president Naveen Patnaik will leave for Delhi at around 1 pm for a week-long stay. Although the visit has been described as personal, it comes at a politically significant time as the Biju Janata Dal has intensified its opposition to the proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill.
On Monday, the BJD warned of launching statewide protests and even an Odisha bandh over the proposed legislation, arguing that it could adversely affect the state’s interests.
With both leaders in Delhi simultaneously, their schedules are expected to remain under close watch. However, there has been no official confirmation of any meeting between the Chief Minister and the Leader of Opposition or any other political engagements beyond their stated plans.
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