CMC Had Announced Grand 150-Year Celebration, But District Administration Plans to Take Charge

Cuttack: A fresh controversy has emerged over the organisation of ‘Cuttack in Cuttack’ during the upcoming Balijatra 2026, with a reported tug-of-war between the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and the district administration over who will conduct the event.

A few days ago, the CMC had announced plans for a grand celebration at Cuttack in Cuttack, marking its 150th anniversary, with a new format and several attractions for visitors. However, during a preparatory meeting for Balijatra, the district administration reportedly decided to organise Cuttack in Cuttack, adding to the uncertainty over the event’s management.

CMC vs District Administration : Who Will Organise the Event ?

The latest development has once again brought differences between the CMC and the district administration into focus.

While the CMC had historically played an important role in Balijatra arrangements, officials of the district administration have reportedly taken the lead in preparations in recent years. The issue has previously triggered dissatisfaction among elected representatives, with the CMC council even raising objections over what it viewed as being sidelined in the festival arrangements.

This year too, the disagreement appears to have surfaced right at the beginning of the preparations.

A Shift in the Balijatra Arrangement

In the past, Balijatra was organised by the district administration, while the CMC contributed through its own expenditure and services. The civic body reportedly received around 30 per cent of the overall income in accordance with the expenses and services it provided.

After Balijatra received state-level recognition, the CMC began planning for greater involvement, including generating its own revenue through activities and attractions.

As part of this approach, the civic body invested in special programmes at Cuttack in Cuttack, along with entertainment-based events and other facilities. The CMC also worked alongside the district administration on sanitation, infrastructure development, hoardings and other arrangements.
However, the equation has reportedly changed over the past two years.

CMC Had Big Plans for Balijatra 2026

This year, the CMC had announced an ambitious programme for Cuttack in Cuttack, particularly because the facility has been maintained by the civic body throughout the year.

Mayor Subash Singh and Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota had reportedly informed the public about the plans at a press conference, announcing special arrangements to mark the 150-year milestone.

The announcement had created expectations of a larger and more attractive Cuttack in Cuttack experience during Balijatra.

However, questions were raised after no CMC official or elected representative was reportedly seen at the Balijatra preparatory meeting, where discussions centred on the district administration organising Cuttack in Cuttack.

What Happened in 2024 ?

The disagreement also comes against the backdrop of developments in 2024, when the district administration reportedly conducted the tender process for Cuttack in Cuttack and took several responsibilities away from the CMC.

With the civic body now claiming responsibility for maintaining the venue throughout the year, its latest announcement for a major Balijatra celebration has made the question of organisational control even more significant.

Mayor Seeks State Government’s Intervention
Speaking on the issue, CMC Mayor Subash Singh said that the civic body is responsible for maintaining Cuttack in Cuttack, while the Commissioner is overseeing the arrangements at the administrative level.

He indicated that the CMC would approach the state government regarding the organisation of Cuttack in Cuttack. Meanwhile, attempts to contact Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde for his response were reportedly unsuccessful.

Balijatra 2026 : Bigger Celebration, Bigger Dispute ?

With Balijatra being one of Cuttack’s biggest cultural and commercial festivals, the dispute over Cuttack in Cuttack has added a new layer of controversy to this year’s preparations.

The key question now is whether the CMC and district administration will reach an understanding over the event or whether the disagreement will continue as preparations for Balijatra 2026 gather pace.

For Cuttack, the festival is not merely an annual fair it is deeply connected to the city’s maritime heritage, culture and identity. With the CMC planning a special 150-year celebration, expectations are high for an event that showcases the historic spirit of the city on a much bigger scale.