Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik have decided to avoid Diwali celebrations this year in view of the damage and suffering caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods in several parts of the state.
“In view of the devastation caused by floods in various parts of the state, particularly southern Odisha, following Cyclone ‘Arnab’, Diwali will not be celebrated at the Chief Minister’s residence this year,” his office said in a post on X.
The Chief Minister has also requested people not to bring gifts or bouquets on the occasion.
The Chief Minister has appealed to people to remain sensitive towards the public of the affected areas and to extend a helping hand for the assistance of the disaster-affected people.
Earlier, Majhi had also skipped Durga Puja celebrations as a mark of solidarity with farmers who suffered crop losses due to heavy rainfall in October. He had refrained from visiting puja pandals.
According to the office of the Leader of Opposition, BJD president Naveen Patnaik has decided not to celebrate Diwali, in solidarity with the people affected by floods in Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamala. “Floods, triggered by the cyclone, have caused unprecedented damage in Ganjam and Gajapati. The people there are enduring immense suffering. Furthermore, it has not yet been possible to rescue all those who went missing after being buried under the earth due to landslides. Therefore, Naveen Patnaik has decided not to celebrate Diwali during this time of sorrow for the people,” LoP’s office said in a statement.
It may be noted that the southern districts of Odisha have been severely impacted following heavy rainfall and floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab, displacing thousands and causing extensive damage to property and crops.
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