The fifth day of the seventh monsoon session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed unprecedented chaos and high-voltage drama on Monday, forcing Speaker Surama Padhy to resort to multiple adjournments as opposition members created a massive ruckus over key policy issues.
The day’s proceedings began at 10:30 AM, but continuous sloganeering and disruptions cut the opening session short within just six minutes, forcing an adjournment till 11:30 AM. When the House reconvened for the second phase under Speaker Surama Padhy, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling initiated Question Hour by presenting a crucial query regarding measures to curb food adulteration.
However, proceedings quickly derailed as opposition lawmakers refused to let the House function normally. BJD and Congress leaders vehemently protested inside the well of the House. Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati drew immediate attention by wearing a poster around his neck and climbing onto a desk to voice his strong opposition to the central government’s MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Act amendment.
At 11:39 AM, BJD leaders staged a walkout in protest. Despite repeated appeals from Speaker Surama Padhy for calm to keep Question Hour on track, opposition members stood firm on their demands. The relentless protests and fiery demonstrations forced the Speaker to adjourn the House until 4 PM.
When the afternoon session resumed from 4 PM to 4:21 PM, brief administrative and legislative matters were addressed before the Speaker was compelled to announce another 10-minute adjournment to restore order amidst lingering tensions.
