Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia might have rejected Odisha’s demand for the special status, but the ruling BJD is not in mood to accept it. The party members are all set to take the battle to New Delhi where a massive rally will be launched on June 12.

Thousands of people are expected to join the rally “Swabhiman Samabesh” at Ramlila Maidan to mount pressure on the Centre for the special state status.

The decision came after the Centre rejected the demand for special category state status in a letter two weeks back. Mr. Ahluwalia made it clear that the state does not meet most of the criteria laid down by the National Development Council (NDC).