Bhubaneswar, Mar 10: The Odisha Assembly has witnessed a series of significant disclosures during its recent session, covering issues ranging from upcoming Panchayat by-elections to rising migration trends and communal violence cases across the state.

“By-elections will be held this year to fill vacant positions caused by the death of elected representatives,” confirmed Odisha Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, responding to a question raised by legislator Sanatan Mahakud. These include posts of Zilla Parishad members, Sarpanchs, Samiti members, and Ward members.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented alarming figures on communal violence and mob killings. “In the past 20 months, Odisha recorded 54 such incidents, with Bhadrak, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Malkangiri, Balasore, Rayagada, Koraput, and Khordha districts being affected,”  revealed CM Majhi. “Balasore and Khordha reported the highest number of cases,” he added.

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Odisha Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia highlighted the growing issue of migration for work, known locally as “Dadan.” “In 2024, 70142 Odias migrated outside the state for employment, while in 2025 the number rose sharply to 94106 - an increase of 22000,” revealed the Minister.

“Balangir district topped the list, with 49,988 migrants in 2024 rising to 65,309 in 2025. Even agriculturally rich districts like Bargarh saw a surge in migration,” he informed the House further.

Urban development also featured prominently, with the relocation of vendors in Puri. “Out of 1,208 vendors shifted from Bada Danda to the Shree Setu area, 933 have already moved,” stated Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra.

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“The government plans to establish two market complexes and two vending zones in Puri to accommodate displaced vendors,” disclosed the H&UD Minister, in response to a query from Puri MLA Sunil Mahanty.

Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal supremo Naveen Patnaik raised humanitarian concerns, urging both the state and central governments to take steps to bring back Odias stranded in war-affected Middle Eastern countries. “Lakhs of Odias remain trapped abroad,” said Patnaik,  appealing the Odisha government as well as the Centre for coordinated efforts to ensure their safe return.