Odisha Assembly adjourned amid opposition protest over BJP MLA’s remark and women’s safety

Bhubaneswar, March 10: The Odisha Assembly was adjourned till 2 pm on Monday following a massive uproar by BJD and Congress legislators over a controversial remark by BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra and alleged rising crimes against women in the state.

Tensions erupted immediately after the House paid tribute to former minister Ananta Charan Das, who passed away on Sunday. BJD members demanded a statement from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi regarding Mishra’s comment at an official event in Sambalpur on Saturday, where he termed the 1936 merger of Koshal with Odisha as a historical mistake. Meanwhile, Congress MLAs raised concerns over the increasing incidents of crimes against women across the state.

As protests escalated, opposition members stormed the well of the House, waving placards and shouting slogans. Senior Congress leader Taraprasad Bahinipati was even seen climbing onto the Speaker’s podium.

With proceedings disrupted, Speaker Surama Padhy first adjourned the House till 12:09 pm. However, chaos continued when the session resumed, forcing another adjournment till 2 pm.

Amid the adjournments, BJD members staged a sit-in protest inside the assembly premises, accusing Mishra of making divisive remarks and disrespecting the state anthem. Congress MLAs also held a dharna near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, demanding immediate action.