Bhubaneswar: Amidst the Maoist call for boycott and an e-mail threatening chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Republic Day was celebrated across Odisha on Tuesday with enthusiasm showcasing the state’s rich culture and economic progress.

While governor M C Bhandare took salute of an impressive parade in the state capital, Patnaik unfurled the tri-colour at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, a day after he received a mail from the Maoists warning him against attending the function.

Affirming the government’s resolve to boost agriculture in a big way along with industrialization for overall economic progress, Patnaik said that 5.6 lakh hectare would be irrigated in the next five years while fishery, animal husbandry and agro-based industries would be promoted.

The aim is to ensure balanced development with growth in vast rural areas and focus on elevating the status of Scheduled Castes, tribes, women and weaker sections of the society, the chief minister said.

A thick security blanket was thrown, mainly in Maoist infested regions in view of a call given by red rebels for boycott celebrations and a bandh demanding immediate release of Subhashree Das alias Mili, arrested wife of top Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda.
The e-mail to the chief minister warned that he would be eliminated if he attended the function at Cuttack and if Mili is not released.