Amid the ongoing suspense surrounding the name of Odisha’s new chief minister, the swearing-in ceremony for the state’s first BJP government has been rescheduled to June 12th, 2024, as reported by PTI on Sunday. The event, initially planned for June 10th, has been postponed to accommodate Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi’s prior engagements. Grand preparations are underway to organize the oath-taking ceremony at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena anticipates a turnout of over 30,000 attendees, including eminent guests from various sectors and members of society. Officials have been assigned specific tasks to ensure a seamless reception of delegates arriving for the ceremony. The state administration has conducted thorough reviews of the preparations and assigned responsibilities to senior officers for receiving important guests and delegates. Security arrangements are being finalized, considering the expected influx of over 30,000 people. The Commissioner of Police, DG, and Intelligence are collaborating to ensure a comprehensive security plan. Odisha DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi confirmed the arrival of the Special Protection Group team and the deployment of sufficient forces to handle the VIP attendance. Traffic diversion plans are in place, and confirmation of participation from various state governments is expected by evening. Meanwhile, the identity of the new chief minister remains a mystery. Senior BJP leader and newly elected MLA Suresh Pujari’s sudden visit to New Delhi has sparked speculation about his potential as a top contender. The BJP secured a comfortable majority in the 147-member Assembly, winning 78 seats, and contested the elections without naming a chief ministerial candidate under Modi’s leadership.
