Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the flood-stricken Chandili Panchayat in the Kotpad block of Koraput district on September 28. During his visit, he interacted with local residents to assess the damage caused by recent flooding. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that essential assistance reaches those affected without delay.

Majhi was accompanied by Suresh Pujari, the Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, who also evaluated the conditions at relief shelters. His focus was on the quality of the meals being provided to those displaced by the floods, emphasising the need for immediate and effective support.

Widespread Flooding Across Odisha

The floods, triggered by heavy monsoon rains and rising river levels, have impacted numerous villages across Odisha, severely affecting connectivity. In Mayurbhanj district, twenty blocks, along with one municipality and a Notified Area Council, have been significantly affected. Betnoti and Badasahi are reported to be among the worst-hit areas.

Several villages, including Patalipura and Kalama in Betnoti and Salagaon, Managobindapur, and others in Badasahi, have been submerged. Consequently, both residential properties and agricultural land have suffered damage. Reports indicate that water levels on the Budhabalanga Nakhara bridge have risen to between two and three feet, halting traffic on key routes.

In response to the situation, local authorities have relocated over 10,000 individuals to safer areas and established 89 relief camps. Additionally, 72 free kitchen centres have been set up to provide meals to those affected by the floods.

Rescue and Relief Operations Underway

Emergency response efforts have been intensified with the deployment of three teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and eighteen fire service teams in the most affected regions. Floodwater levels have begun to recede in several areas, and conditions have started to improve in Udala, Kaptipada, Bangiriposi, and Saraskana, with some previously blocked roads reopening.

As a precaution, schools for students from Class 1 to Class 12 in seven blocks of Mayurbhanj—Thakurmunda, Kaptipada, Udala, Gopabandhunagar, Khunta, Badasahi, and Betnoti—have been closed. Local administrations remain vigilant, continually monitoring water levels and ensuring the provision of food, clean drinking water, and medical assistance, especially to those in remote locations.

Separately, during his address in Bhubaneswar, Majhi defended the Election Commission’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He stated that the process is being conducted transparently through the use of digital methods, emphasising that the reported figure of 13 crore voters does not merely reflect deletions, but includes numerous categories such as deceased individuals and absent voters.

Political Reactions and Electoral Controversy

The Chief Minister also commented on the criticism faced by the Election Commission from opposition parties. He accused Congress of attempting to undermine constitutional institutions, including the judiciary and media. Majhi cited historical references, suggesting that the party’s allegations about electoral fairness emerge only when they do not win.

This criticism occurs amidst mounting tensions regarding the electoral processes, particularly the SIR. Reports have indicated that Election Commissioners raised concerns about various aspects of the process multiple times over the past ten months. However, the Election Commission has stated that these concerns do not reflect a lack of unity in decision-making, affirming that all decisions, including those related to the SIR, were made collectively and unanimously.

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