Bhubaneswar, Nov 21 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said the idea of integrating princely states with the Union of India was first conceived by Dr Harekrishna Mahatab and later taken forward by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, leading to the merger of more than 500 small states.

Majhi made the remark at the state-level function marking the 126th birth anniversary of Mahatab, the first head of the state of Odisha after Independence.

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other leaders paid floral tributes to the freedom fighter.

"The concept of merging the princely states with India, was the brainchild of Mahatab. He was the first to conceive the idea and later Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel gave leadership t

See Full Page