The third session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed a tumultuous day as Congress MLAs intensified their protest over women’s safety.
The assembly echoed with slogans and the sound of whistles, as Congress members demanded the formation of a House Committee to address the issue.
The ruckus disrupted proceedings, including the Question Hour, despite repeated appeals from Speaker Surama Padhy to maintain decorum. The Speaker eventually adjourned the session from 10:46 AM to 12:00 PM. Even after the resumption, the protests continued, leading Congress MLAs to stage a walkout and hold a sit-in demonstration under the Gandhi statue on the assembly premises.
Earlier in the day, the House paid tribute to former Sonepur MLA Debaraj Seth, with Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida and opposition leaders expressing their condolences. However, the proceedings soon turned chaotic as Congress members, holding placards and blowing whistles, disrupted the session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling’s attempt to address a question on behalf of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was overshadowed by the uproar.
The Congress party has been vocal in its demand for stricter laws to ensure women’s safety and a special committee to tackle violence against women. Tuesday saw a similar protest, with Congress members donning black armbands and silently raising the issue. The ongoing dissent reflects growing concerns over law and order and women’s security in the state.
This marks another day of high drama in the Assembly, highlighting the persistent deadlock between the ruling government and the opposition.
