The Odisha Assembly witnessed heated exchanges as BJP and Congress leaders jointly criticized BJD for allegedly disrupting discussions on the fertilizer shortage crisis affecting farmers across the state.
Congress had submitted a motion for adjournment to discuss the issue, but the session was thrown into disarray when BJD raised similar concerns during question hour, leading to a House adjournment. Senior Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati accused both BJD and BJP of colluding to stall meaningful debate, stating, “They shut down the House to avoid accountability.”
BJP MLA Agasti Behera lashed out at BJD, calling its actions “mere mileage stunts,” while Congress legislators claimed the government was ignoring the plight of farmers who are struggling to access essential fertilizers. Behera further alleged that opposition parties were using fake farmers to stage protests in front of cooperative societies.
BJP MLA Irasis Acharya added that both BJD and Congress “do not believe in democracy,” citing their disruptive behavior. Meanwhile, senior BJD MLA Pramila Mallik defended her party’s stance, saying BJD had demanded cancellation of question hour to prioritize discussion on the fertilizer crisis.
With 60% of Odisha’s population dependent on agriculture, the issue has sparked widespread protests. Mallik warned that if the Speaker does not allow debate from the next session, BJD will not cooperate in running the House.
