Proceedings of the Odisha Assembly were disrupted for the fourth consecutive day on Friday after Opposition BJD and Congress members entered the Well of the House and raised slogans over the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, and alleged errors in school textbooks.
The House assembled at 10:30 am for Question Hour but could function for only around four minutes. Amid continued protests, Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi adjourned the proceedings until 4 pm.
Opposition protests over MMDR, textbook errors
As Question Hour began, BJD and Congress members carrying placards moved into the Well of the House and raised slogans.
The Opposition has been pressing the government over the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2026. Congress members have demanded withdrawal of the amendments, while the BJD has also raised concerns over errors in school textbooks.
The BJD has demanded action over the textbook errors, including seeking the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. A government-formed panel has separately identified lapses in the review and oversight process for the textbooks.
Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati also joined the protest over the MMDR issue, raising slogans while wearing a poster around his neck, according to reports.
Question Hour disrupted
The protests began as soon as Question Hour commenced, preventing the House from conducting its scheduled business.
Deputy Speaker Bhoi appealed to the protesting members to return to their seats and allow proceedings to continue. However, the disruption persisted, following which the House was adjourned till 4 pm.
The disruption follows similar protests during the previous days of the Monsoon Session. The Assembly had faced repeated adjournments over the MMDR Act and textbook issues since the session began.
Nine-day Monsoon Session
The current Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly is scheduled to continue until October 3, with nine working days listed in the provisional calendar. The session agenda includes government business as well as discussions and legislative proceedings on scheduled bills.
The Odisha Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026, which was introduced in the House on Thursday, is also scheduled for further proceedings during the session.
