Union Minister Amit Shah’s Odisha visit postponed amid national security concerns

Bhubaneswar, May 8: Union Home Minister Amit Shah's scheduled two-day visit to Odisha from May 10 has been postponed in view of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, official sources confirmed on Thursday.

The decision comes at a time when heightened cross-border hostilities—particularly in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Poonch districts—have led to continuous artillery shelling by the Pakistani Army, resulting in casualties and widespread fear.

Shah was initially expected to arrive in Bhubaneswar from Jharkhand on May 10. His itinerary included laying the foundation stone of the National Forensic Science University in Jatni, visiting Puri to offer prayers at the Shree Jagannath Temple, and holding a closed-door strategy meeting with state BJP leaders ahead of the Mohan Majhi-led government’s first anniversary in June.

The Union Minister also planned to visit Maa Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur and launch multiple development projects. Two major public rallies were scheduled—one at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar and another at PHD Ground in Sambalpur—to showcase the BJP’s pan-Odisha outreach.

Sambalpur Collector confirmed the postponement. Revised dates are yet to be announced.