Opposition stalls Odisha Assembly over farmer distress and crime concerns

Bhubaneswar, Feb 14: The Odisha Assembly's Budget Session witnessed intense disruptions on its second day as opposition parties raised concerns over paddy procurement irregularities and law and order issues.

As the session commenced at 10:30 AM, BJD and Congress legislators stormed the well, halting proceedings. BJD members criticized the closure of mandis, while Congress MLAs demanded action on rising crimes. Unable to restore order, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House at 10:34 AM until noon. However, disruptions resumed when the session reconvened, with opposition leaders continuing their protest over mandi shutdowns and procurement mismanagement. Despite the Speaker’s assurance of discussion during the adjournment motion, members refused to relent, leading to the suspension of the Question Hour, Zero Hour, and adjournment motion.

Outside the Assembly, BJD MLAs Ganeswar Behera and Gautam Buddha Das accused the government of failing to support farmers, citing 14 reported suicides due to crop loss. Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati criticized the government over crimes against women, referencing a recent gang-rape case. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Irasish Acharya accused the opposition of deliberately obstructing discussions.

The Budget Session, which began on February 13, will run in two phases—February 13-21 and March 7-April 5. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is set to present the full budget on February 17.