The BJP’s Odisha unit has raised questions about Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s health after the government’s decision to change the venue and format of the Independence Day celebrations.
“The (new) venue of Exhibition Ground will seat 5,000, while 10,000 people can stand and watch the ceremony. There will also be an exhibition on the 150th Gandhi Jayanti, which will be inaugurated by the CM,” Twin City Police Commissioner and senior IPS officer Satyajit Mohanty told reporters.
A senior police officer said, “There will be no march past. Normally, every year there are 30-40 contingents from local schools, NCC, police, CAPF, and even civilians, St John’s ambulance, scouts and guides conduct a march. This year there will be no marches… this decision is expected to reduce the timing of the ceremony by 30-40 minutes.”