Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi offers prayers at Durga Puja pandal on Ashtami

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], October 11 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday visited a Durga Puja pandal in Bhubaneswar on Ashtami and offered prayers.
During his visit, Majhi said, "Greetings to all. Today is Ashtami Tithi. On this auspicious occasion, we have got the ultimate fortune to offer prayers to Maa Durga. A new government has come into power, and with Goddess's blessings, I have been given the responsibility of the Chief Minister and the responsibility of the people of Odisha."
He added, "Today on this auspicious occasion, I prayed to Maa that people get happiness, peace, and prosperity and that Odisha becomes a new Odisha, a prosperous Odisha in the next 5 years."
Majhi encouraged everyone to pray for happiness and prosperity, stating, "This (visit to Maa Durga) made me very happy, and certainly, today my request to everyone is that they should pray and be happy."
On Thursday, Odisha Additional Director General of Police (ADG) for Law and Order, Sanjay Kumar, announced that special security arrangements have been made for Durga Puja celebrations to assist district SSPs and the Commissioner of Police across the state.
As the state prepares for this auspicious occasion, massive gatherings are expected in areas like Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Khandapada, and Balasore.
"I can assure you that this year's Durga Puja celebrations in Odisha will be grand and secure, as we have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities, particularly in communally sensitive areas," said Kumar while speaking to ANI.
He further stated that approximately 205 platoons of security forces have been deployed across the state to assist the district SSP and the Commissioner of Police. Additionally, eight companies of CRPF and BSF, along with two companies of the Rapid Action Force, have been stationed in Bhadrak district.
"All major districts are now covered with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)," he added.
The state has also strategically deployed key personnel to oversee the security operations. This includes one SP rank officer, 11 Additional SPs, 42 DSPs and Assistant Commandants, 50 Inspectors, and 320 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), who have been dispatched to various districts.
To facilitate smooth traffic flow, separate arrangements have been made."We have published traffic guidelines in local media and newspapers to inform the public," Kumar added.
"Major roads will be cleared, and traffic will be managed efficiently. We've also developed ample parking facilities, especially in Cuttack," he said. Kumar emphasised, "We've taken every precaution to ensure the public doesn't face any problems."