Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, who is on a two-day visit to Delhi, met BJP MPs on Parliament premises on Wednesday.
Sources said that the CM is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day. He is also scheduled to meet several other high-profile leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda.
Majhi left for Delhi with state BJP president Manmohan Samal last evening, sparking speculation that they were called to discuss expansion of the ministry and appointments to state corporations, which are long overdue, with the party’s national leadership. Sources said that a meeting was convened in Delhi in which the CM and all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs from the state along with three Union ministers were expected to participate.
Incidentally, Deputy CM K V Singh Deo is also in the national capital.
On Tuesday, 11 MPs and two state ministers (Panchayati Raj minister Rabi Narayan Naik and Health minister Mukesh Mahaling) also gathered at the house of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This assumed significance amid speculation that a few ministers might be dropped for their poor performance during the cabinet expansion.
MEETING WITH UNION AGRICULTURE MINISTER
Taking to his X handle, Majhi informed about his meeting with Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi. Dharmendra Pradhan and KV, who holds the agriculture profile, were also present.
The CM said that he has urged the Centre to enhance the rice procurement target from the state for the upcoming Kharif season. He sought an increase in monthly lifting of rice by FCI to ensure timely evacuation, which is critical for smooth procurement operations in the upcoming season. He further highlighted Odisha government’s proactive steps like promotion of millets and expansion of storage infrastructure to strengthen food security and safeguard farmers’ interests.
Called on Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri @JoshiPralhad ji today at New Delhi. Requested enhancement of the rice procurement target for the upcoming season in view of the anticipated surplus in the State. Also urged for increased monthly… pic.twitter.com/wLzf94EnJs
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) August 6, 2025
Sources said that the Union Minister acknowledged Odisha’s historic paddy procurement achievement–92.64 lakh MT of paddy (equivalent to 62.62 lakh MT of rice)–and assured the delegation that the state’s proposals will be examined for feasibility. He emphasised the Centre’s commitment to ensuring timely and efficient procurement and distribution across Odisha.
On July 28, KV along with several Odisha MPs had also raised this issue with Joshi, pointing out that the slow pace of lifting of surplus rice of 12 lakh MT by FCI was hampering overall procurement operations.
Meanwhile, Odisha has achieved about 60 per cent progress in planned crop area. “Kharif crop sowing is complete in 35.11 lakh hectares, comprising 8 lakh hectares (broadcasting), 15 lakh hectares (transplanting), and 1.42 lakh hectares (nursery) of paddy till Monday. Maize and cotton sowing are 79% and 96% complete, respectively. The overall crop situation is normal, with 60% progress in planned crop area,” Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment department secretary Arabinda Padhee said in a post on X on Tuesday.
The state has recorded 2% above-normal rainfall this monsoon, totalling 627.5 mm against the usual 615.6 mm by August 5, according to the IMD.
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