Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar abruptly ended his three-day tour of Odisha on Sunday and returned to New Delhi following a major accident involving his father, sources said.
As Kumar had to depart, his high-level meeting with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) scheduled for Monday afternoon was cancelled. However, sources said that he may return to the state to hold discussions with the BLOs ahead of announcement of special intensive revision (SIR) in Bhubaneswar.
Expressing regret over his sudden departure from the state, Kumar said that Odisha’s art, architecture, hospitality and natural beauty have greatly impressed him, and assured the people that he will definitely visit the place again.
Upon his arrival in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, Kumar had said that he came to Odisha to have darshan of Lord Jagannath and also to meet our booth-level officers, whom he described as the ‘pillars of our election process.’
Before his sudden departure, the CEC, accompanied by his wife Anuradha Kumar (a retired IAS officer), spent the weekend exploring Odisha’s iconic cultural landmarks.
Kumar visited Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in Bhubaneswar with his family. He said that these caves are symbols of the country’s cultural heritage.
Speaking to reporters, Gyanesh Kumar said, “These caves are symbols of our cultural heritage. The way our architects made these 2000 years ago is still preserved even today. We had the fortune to visit these caves. We also came to know about Jainism. We came to Bhubaneswar and very happy to see these caves. We also visited Dhauli Shanti Stupa, from where the message of peace spreads in the entire world. We experienced how thousand years ago Samrat Ashok gave the message of peace.”
On Saturday, the CEC visited the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha’s Puri, along with his wife Anuradha and praised the temple’s architecture, calling it the country’s honour and pride. He emphasised the temple as a marvel for its sculptures, mythology, and the scientific methods used in its construction.
He praised the 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage site as a “pinnacle of architecture” and a symbol of India’s scientific advancement. He said that the architecture of the temple reflected how advanced the culture and science of India might have been many years ago.
Speaking with the reporters, he said, “This temple not only reflects the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, but it also shows how advanced the culture and science of India were many years ago.”
He added, “The area’s sculptures, mythology and the scientific ways in which this sun temple was built, I get surprised, and the belief is also set in stone that Konark’s temple is the country’s honour and pride.”
On the second day of his visit, Kumar on Sunday visited the heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur in Puri district. He experienced firsthand the exquisite Pattachitra paintings, Tussar textiles, woodcraft and other artistic creations made by the local artisans, and also interacted with them. Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer R S Gopalan and Puri district collector Dibya Jyoti Parida were present at the village.
Praising the artisans of Raghurajpur, Kumar said that they have kept alive centuries-old Indian culture, traditions and folklore through ‘Pattachitra’ painting and other art forms, and that their work deserves the highest appreciation.
“I appeal to people across the country to visit Raghurajpur and witness its unique artistic heritage,” he told reporters and also appreciated the Gotipua dance performed by dancers at Raghurajpur.
Kumar visited the Dhauli Peace Pagoda, where he reflected on Emperor Ashoka’s message of peace.
The CEC described the panoramic view of Bhubaneswar city and the Daya River from the Peace Pagoda as ‘extremely beautiful’.
He remarked that India is known worldwide for peace and harmony and expressed his wish that the message of peace from the Dhauli Peace Pagoda spreads even further across the world.
In the afternoon, he also toured the 2,000-year-old Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, describing them as preserved marvels of ancient Indian architecture and Jain history. Later, he visited the Mukteswar Temple, where he was deeply impressed by the ancient Kalinga-style architecture and sought the blessings of the deities along with his family.
