Mohan Majhi and Naveen Patnaik skip Diwali celebrations over flood devastation
The Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition decided to refrain from festivities in solidarity with people affected by Cyclone Arnab.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik have decided to forgo Diwali celebrations this year due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab. According to reports from The Times of India and Free Press Journal, the decision comes in solidarity with those affected by floods and landslides across the state.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that no Diwali celebrations will be held at the Chief Minister's residence. The CMO also requested that citizens and well-wishers do not bring bouquets or gifts to the residence on the occasion.
Chief Minister Majhi has appealed to the public to remain sensitive to the plight of people in disaster-hit areas and to offer assistance to affected families. He previously refrained from visiting Durga Puja pandals to show support for farmers who lost crops to heavy rainfall in October.
Naveen Patnaik, who is also the BJD president, announced he would not celebrate Diwali to support people in the Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts. Patnaik visited flood-affected areas on Saturday and noted that Cyclone Arnab caused extensive damage in Ganjam and Gajapati.
Patnaik also referred to landslides in Kandhamal, where some people remained missing under debris. The southern districts of the state have faced significant property and crop damage following the heavy rainfall and floods triggered by the cyclone.