Bhubaneswar: In a move underscoring the Central Government’s focus on Odisha, two Principal Secretaries to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, P K Mishra and Shaktikanta Das, are currently in the State for separate engagements. Their concurrent presence has ignited speculation about the significance the Centre attaches to the Eastern State.
Shri Shaktikanta Das, a distinguished son of Odisha and a veteran civil servant, arrived last night for a three-day visit. Sources indicate that a crucial meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and top state government officials is on the cards during his stay. Beyond official engagements, Shri Das is also scheduled to visit the revered Ghatgaon Temple to offer his prayers to Maa Tarini.
Meanwhile, Shri P K Mishra landed at Bhubaneswar airport earlier today. His primary purpose for the visit is to attend the convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Sambalpur tomorrow. Interestingly, sources revealed a last-minute change in his travel plans. The flight carrying Shri Mishra was initially slated to land at Jharsuguda airport this afternoon. However, due to unforeseen technical issues on the runway, the flight was rerouted to Bhubaneswar.
Both Shri Mishra and Shri Das bring a wealth of experience and a deep connection to their home state. Shri Mishra has been a key figure in the Prime Minister’s Office, serving as Principal Secretary to the PM since September 11, 2019. Shri Das, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), was recently appointed as Principal Secretary-2 to the PM on February 22, 2025, further solidifying his position in the top echelons of the Indian bureaucracy.
The simultaneous visit of these two highly influential officials has sparked considerable interest in political and administrative circles, with many viewing it as a testament to the growing importance of Odisha in the national landscape. The outcomes of Shri Das’s meeting with state leaders and Shri Mishra’s presence at the IIM-Sambalpur convocation will be closely watched in the coming days.