High-voltage political drama unfolded both inside and outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly on the third day of the ongoing 7th Monsoon Session of the 17th Assembly.
Intense protests by the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress led to a complete deadlock, forcing the Deputy Speaker to adjourn the proceedings until 4 PM after running for barely 11 minutes.
The proceedings began at 10:30 AM under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi. However, as soon as the Question Hour was announced, lawmakers from both BJD and Congress stormed into the Well of the House, shouting slogans and halting all business.
Inside the House: Twin Flashpoints Trigger Uproar
The Opposition launched a coordinated attack against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, raising two major policy issues:
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School Textbook Errors: BJD legislators fiercely targeted the state government over severe blunders found in school textbooks, demanding the immediate resignation of the School and Mass Education Minister.
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Loss of Mining Revenue: Congress MLAs vehemently opposed the Central Government’s amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) [MMDR] Act, alleging that the statutory changes are draining Odisha’s vital mineral revenues.
With loud slogan-shouting rendering normal legislative functions impossible within minutes, Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi adjourned the House until 4 PM to restore order.
Outside the House: Congress Dharna Under Gandhi Statue
Even before the session commenced, Congress lawmakers set a contentious tone for the day. Key Congress MLAs gathered near the Mahatma Gandhi statue within the Assembly premises and sat on a sit-in demonstration (dharna).
Holding placards and shouting slogans, the legislators presented a charter of public grievances:
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Farmer Distress: Demanding urgent relief measures, fair support pricing, and structural intervention.
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Unemployment: Questioning the state government’s roadmap to create job opportunities for educated youth.
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Law and Order: Raising serious concerns over deteriorating public safety across the state.
Protesting Congress leaders alleged that they were forced to take to street-style agitation because the administration was actively suppressing the voice of the public inside the legislative chamber. With tensions continuing to run high, the afternoon session promises to be equally tumultuous.
