Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) celebrations at the OSAP 7th Battalion Parade Ground today, marking the birth anniversary of the ‘Iron Man of India,’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to Sardar Patel and highlighted Odisha’s major milestone in eradicating Naxal movement and Maoist violence from the state.
Speaking on Sardar Patel’s legacy, CM Majhi emphasized that Patel’s extraordinary political foresight, strong determination, and pragmatic leadership successfully united over 560 princely states into a strong, united India. He noted that National Unity Day is not merely a ceremonial birth anniversary, but a symbol of India’s collective resolve, patriotism, and commitment to national integrity.
Odisha Achieves Complete Naxal-Free Status
In a major announcement, Chief Minister Majhi commended the dedication, hard work, and efficiency of the Odisha Police force. He stated that thanks to the firm steps taken by the state government and continuous police operations under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the leadership of the Union Home Minister, Odisha has achieved complete success in eliminating Naxalite and Maoist threats.
“Districts where people once feared to travel even during broad daylight no longer suffer under that atmosphere of terror,” CM Majhi said, confirming that Odisha is now completely Naxal-free.
Peace and Security Fueling Industrial Growth
Highlighting internal security and economic progress, the Chief Minister remarked that a new chapter of industrialization has unfolded in Odisha over the last two years, attracting investors from both India and abroad. He stressed that peace, security, and a robust law and order mechanism are mandatory prerequisites for industrial growth—a standard that the Odisha Police has successfully maintained.
CM Majhi also recalled the contributions of Odisha’s legendary leaders, including Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, during the freedom struggle and the integration of princely states. He urged citizens to rise above boundaries of caste, religion, gender, and language to identify first as Indians and Odias, working together toward a “Prosperous and Developed Odisha” (Samruddha O Bikashita Odisha).
During the event, the Chief Minister also virtually attended the central National Unity Day Parade held at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The event in Bhubaneswar was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Hemant Sharma, Director of Intelligence R.P. Koche, along with senior police officers, personnel, and dignitaries.
