Bhubaneswar, Feb 18: The second day of the Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed intense disruptions as Opposition members staged protests over alleged irregularities in paddy procurement, forcing repeated adjournments of the House.
Legislators belonging to the Biju Janata Dal and the Indian National Congress raised slogans against the government, accusing it of failing to address procurement delays and farmers’ grievances. In a symbolic protest, several MLAs carried bundles of paddy into the Assembly chamber and placed them on the reporters’ table to draw attention to the issue.
The situation escalated when Opposition members stormed the Well of the House, demanding immediate intervention and a detailed discussion on alleged mismanagement in the procurement process. Despite repeated appeals for order by Speaker Surama Padhy, protesting members refused to relent.
Amid the continuing uproar, the House was first adjourned till 11:30 am. However, disruptions resumed when proceedings restarted, leaving the Chair with no option but to adjourn the Assembly again till 4 pm.
The Opposition has been pressing for corrective measures, transparency in procurement operations, and safeguards to protect farmers’ interests across the state.
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