Chaotic scenes and intense political uproar paralysed the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Day 2 of the ongoing session, forcing repeated disruptions and an ultimate adjournment until 10:30 AM tomorrow.
The morning proceedings began under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi. However, normal operations lasted barely five minutes as lawmakers from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress launched simultaneous, aggressive protests in the well of the House.
Opposing benches confronted the government over key flashpoints:
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Congress Agitation: Congress MLAs wore protest placards and demanded the repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) [MMDR] Amendment Act. The situation escalated when Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati approached the Chair and threw protest posters onto the Deputy Speaker’s table during Zero Hour.
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BJD Protests: Opposition BJD members staged loud demonstrations regarding a controversial textbook issue, pressing for immediate accountability.
Disregarding repeated appeals by Deputy Speaker Bhoi to return to their seats and allow scheduled discussions on public interest matters, opposition members stormed directly beneath the podium while chanting slogans. The chair initially adjourned proceedings until 4 PM to maintain order.
When the Assembly reconvened at 4 PM under Deputy Speaker Bhoi, the session lasted just 6 minutes before unrelenting opposition noise forced another halt. Despite the brief window of calm, the government successfully introduced and passed one key legislative bill before the House was officially adjourned until 10:30 AM tomorrow.
All eyes now turn to tomorrow’s sitting to see whether normal legislative business can resume or if the deadlock between the ruling bench and opposition will escalate further.
