The second day of the budget session witnessed uproar in the Odisha Assembly as opposition members from BJD and Congress stalled proceedings over paddy procurement and farmers’ grievances.
During Question Hour and Zero Hour, opposition legislators stormed into the well of the House, raising slogans against the government’s alleged failure in managing mandis and procurement. They carried posters demanding an end to “anti-farmer policies” and shouted slogans like “Stop cuts in procurement” and “Save farmers.”
Speaker Surama Padhy repeatedly appealed for order, but the protests forced adjournments first from 10:35 AM to 11:30 AM, and later from 11:36 AM until 4:00 PM.
Inside the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling answered questions on behalf of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi amid the chaos. However, opposition members continued their sloganeering, with some attempting to approach the Speaker’s chair before being stopped by security personnel.
Outside the Assembly, BJD MLA Goutam Buddha Das demanded the resignation of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Patra, accusing the government of deliberately neglecting farmers. Congress MLA Sofia Firdous criticised the government for dismissing farmers’ concerns and failing to deliver on promises like free electricity.
Senior BJP legislator Jayanarayan Mishra countered, saying opposition parties weakened their own case by disrupting proceedings instead of debating issues inside the House. He argued that constructive discussion would have put the government under greater pressure.
The continuing deadlock highlights the growing tension over paddy procurement in Odisha, with farmers’ welfare emerging as a flashpoint in the Assembly session.
