Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik has decided not to celebrate Diwali this year, expressing solidarity with the people affected by floods in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.
Patnaik said, “The floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab have caused extensive damage in Ganjam and Gajapati, leaving people in unspeakable distress. In Kandhamal, rescue operations are still on to trace people who remain missing after being buried under debris due to landslides. In this hour of grief, I have decided not to celebrate Diwali.”
Patnaik is currently touring the flood-affected areas of Ganjam to take stock of the damage.
