Due to forecasts of heavy rainfall in southern Odisha, the venue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's September 27 rally has been shifted from Berhampur to Jharsuguda. The decision to relocate the event was made following warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about a potential depression causing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the region.
The Prime Minister is now scheduled to address a public gathering at the Amulipali Reserve Ground in Jharsuguda. Preparations are underway at the new venue for the national-level 'Seva Parv' celebrations. The original location in Berhampur, at the Rangailunda airstrip, had undergone extensive logistical planning, including security reviews. However, these arrangements were dismantled following the weather alert.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has approved the venue change. Jharsuguda was chosen due to its relatively safer weather conditions and logistical advantages.
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several key infrastructure projects across Odisha and other states. He is also slated to launch the All India Youth Conference, with expectations of a significant announcement for the youth community.
The change in venue has required a fresh round of coordination among district officials, SPG teams, and BJP leaders to ensure the smooth execution of the event. The Odisha government had proposed the venue change to the Centre in light of the weather forecast. The IMD has predicted two low-pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal, one expected on September 22 and another on September 25, likely causing heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the region until September 27. Coastal districts like Ganjam, where Berhampur is located, are expected to experience significant rainfall on September 27. In contrast, Jharsuguda in western Odisha is expected to receive lighter rainfall, making it a more suitable alternative.
Modi's visit is part of the BJP's nationwide Seva Paksha program, which spans from the Prime Minister's birthday on September 17 to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. This marks Modi's sixth visit to the state since the BJP formed the government last year.
