Bhubaneswar, 18 February (H.S.): The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) today kicked off its Sankalpa Padayatra from Bhubaneswar to the Puri Jagannath Temple, led by OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das. The march aims to reconnect with former party leaders, strengthen grassroots presence, and bring change within the Congress and the state.

Beginning at 10 am from Biju Patnaik International Airport, Das was warmly welcomed by Congress workers and supporters. The padayatra will culminate at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on February 20. Speaking to reporters, Das said the initiative was organized to restore Odisha's lost glory.

An unexpected incident occurred when Das lost his balance while leaving the airport and fell, requiring immediate treatment at Capital Hospital. Despite this, the padayatra continued, passing through Shishu Bhavan, Rajmahal, Kalpana Square, and Ravi Talkies Square before reaching Lingipur Square for a lunch break. The march will halt for the night in Pipili, with plans to proceed towards Puri the following day.

On the final day, the march will resume from Chandanpur, with a lunch stop at Bata Mangala, before reaching the Jagannath Temple. Das will seek Lord Jagannath’s blessings and address the media to conclude the padayatra.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda