Odisha in 2025: Security Gains, Industrial Push Amid Tragedies

As 2025 draws to a close, Odisha’s journey through the year reflects a complex mix of progress and pain, marked by significant security and industrial achievements alongside tragic incidents and political controversies.

One of the major positives for the state was its steady progress towards becoming a Naxal-free region. Security forces dealt major blows to Left-wing extremism, neutralising six Maoists during the year. Among those killed was CPI (Maoist) central committee member Ganesh Uike, who carried a bounty of ₹1.1 crore, underscoring the intensity of the anti-Naxal operations.

Complementing these efforts, around 22 Maoists surrendered before the police under the state’s revised Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy. The policy, aimed at encouraging rebels to rejoin the mainstream, offers incentives of up to ₹1.20 crore depending on the rank of the surrendered cadre.

However, the year was also scarred by distressing incidents that shook public conscience. These included the self-immolation of a college student, a deadly stampede during the Puri Rath Yatra, and widespread debate over the hike in salaries and allowances of MLAs, which sparked political and public controversy.

Despite the setbacks, Odisha continued to push ahead with its industrial and infrastructure ambitions, seeking to balance development with security and social stability. As the state steps into 2026, the experiences of 2025 remain a reminder of both the resilience of its institutions and the challenges that lie ahead.