The Odisha Assembly witnessed chaos on Monday as opposition parties disrupted the Question Hour, raising concerns over deteriorating law & order situations and women’s safety in the state.
The unrest stemmed from violent incidents reported across Odisha during Holi celebrations, including two murders in the capital, Bhubaneswar, and a shooting in Cuttack.
The main opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order, pointing to seven murders during Holi that left the state “blood-stained.” BJD legislators stormed the well of the House, creating an uproar and demanding a statement from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Meanwhile, the Congress party escalated the situation by raising the issue of women’s safety, calling for the formation of a House Committee to address rising crimes against women. The protests forced Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the session within five minutes of its start, suspending proceedings from 10:35 AM to 12:15 PM.
BJD MLA Byomakesh Ray criticized the government outside the Assembly, stating, “Law and order have collapsed. The state turned red with blood during Holi. The government has failed to restore order.” He added that their adjournment motion was ignored, prompting their demand for clarity from the CM.
Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam vowed to continue protests until a House Committee on women’s safety is formed. MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati echoed this, alleging, “Crimes against women are rising daily, and the government remains a mute spectator. We demand a stringent law and a bipartisan committee.” He further claimed that women in Odisha feel unsafe due to the absence of the rule of law.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back, accusing the opposition of derailing proceedings. BJP MLA Sanatan Bijuli said, “The opposition is making a habit of disrupting the House over non-issues. They don’t want the Assembly to function smoothly. We were ready to discuss law and order, but they chose chaos instead.” He emphasized that critical discussions on health and housing were scheduled, which the opposition sabotaged.
The uproar has sparked a heated political debate, with the opposition intensifying its attack on the government over public safety and governance.
