Neighbourhood effectOdisha BJP had several reasons to cheer the poll victories in Bengal and Assam. Dharmendra Pradhan campaigned in Bengal, while Baijayant Panda quietly marshalled Assam from the war room. Back home, CM Mohan Charan Majhi found himself in the Bengal mix as co-observer for selection of the CM there. The twin wins have clearly sent a gust of good mood across Odisha BJP offices, where smiles are wider, tea is sweeter, and every conversation ends with, “Neighbourhood effect, boss!”Mela hotspotThe upper Baliyatra ground in Cuttack seems to have undergone a transformation, from a “strictly parking only” zone during Baliyatra to the city’s newest full-time mela ground. Not long ago, authorities insisted the ground was meant exclusively for parking vehicles to ease congestion. But now, every few weeks, exhibition, trade fair or carnival pops up there with colourful gates, giant wheels and loudspeakers competing for attention. Citizens are beginning to suspect the parking plan may have been shelved permanently. At this rate, the only vehicles likely to find space there are toy trains and battery-operated cars for children.Statue tripIndustry minister Sampad Swain recently managed to escape the pull of official files and spent some time sightseeing. While accompanying chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi to Gujarat recently, Swain made his way to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. Later, he took to social media and posted that while accompanying the CM, he visited the majestic Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, reflected on the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” and paid tribute to the towering legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.Jhalmuri vs ladooAfter PM Narendra Modi ate jhalmuri from a roadside shop in Jhargram during West Bengal assembly election campaign, this street food has created a buzz in BJP’s political meetings and celebrations. Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi and his party colleagues at BJP headquarters shared jhalmuri with each other after BJP’s victory in Bengal election. Odisha Congress also celebrated its party’s success in the Kerala election, distributing ladoo among workers. A snack vs sweet celebration.(Contributed by Team TOI)
