Nilgiri, Nov 13: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi arrived in Nilagiri on Thursday to inaugurate the ‘Ekta Padayatra’ (Unity March) commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Chief Minister reached the town by a special helicopter and was accorded a grand welcome by Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, MP Pratap Sarangi, and other senior officials.

As per official sources, the Chief Minister will unveil a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel installed at Hospital Square, followed by an address to the public at Thana Padia ground. Later, he will participate in a 10-kilometre march up to Mitrapur. The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the event, with the SP, District Collector, and officers from various departments supervising preparations on the ground.

Ahead of the visit, security measures were tightened across Nilagiri town on Wednesday evening. Police camps were set up and patrolling intensified. Hoardings featuring the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister have been installed along the Nilagiri–Mitrapur route.

The programme is being closely monitored by MP Pratap Sarangi, along with local MLA Santosh Khatua and District Council President Ishwar Behera. District Secretary Bijay Kumar Sahoo, along with other district and local BJP workers, were also present during the preparations.