Bhubaneswar: More than 50 BJP MLAs and around 10 ministers attended a key meeting at chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s residence on Tuesday to discuss the party’s political roadmap, public outreach programmes and flood situation in Odisha, party sources said.The meeting, chaired by state BJP president Manmohan Samal, was held a day after the assembly session concluded. BJP MLA Santosh Khatua said party legislators were asked to return to their constituencies and closely monitor the flood situation.“Since the assembly session has ended and several parts of the state have been affected by floods, we have been directed to visit our constituencies and remain engaged with people,” said Khatua.He said the meeting also reviewed the party’s month-long Seva Sankalp campaign, launched on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on Sept 17, and stressed the need to intensify activities till its conclusion on Oct 17.BJP MLA Laxman Bag said legislators were asked to strengthen grassroots engagement and step up organisational activities. “The Seva Sankalp programme is underway, and after the assembly session, we have been asked to intensify outreach activities with party workers and public,” he said.Party insiders said the meeting reviewed the prevailing political situation in the state and discussed strategies to counter the opposition’s campaign against the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.According to sources, MLAs were briefed on the provisions of the amended MMDR Act and advised to effectively communicate the party’s position to the public amid allegations by the BJD and Congress that the legislation would adversely affect Odisha’s financial interests.The meeting also focused on strengthening the party’s connect with people through coordinated outreach programmes across the state, sources added.
