The Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly begins today and is expected to be highly charged, with the Opposition Congress set to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led state government. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has also announced plans to raise several key issues, including law and order, women’s safety, fertiliser scarcity, and protection of farmers’ interests.
Congress to Move No-Confidence Motion
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Rama Chandra Kadam told reporters that the party will bring a no-confidence motion during the session, which will run until September 25 (with a break on Sunday).
“The people of Odisha have lost trust in the BJP government. It has failed on every front, and we are duty-bound to raise these issues in the House,” said Kadam.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das alleged that incidents of rape, atrocities against women, Dalits, and tribals have gone unchecked under the BJP government. He also accused the administration of denying farmers adequate fertiliser.
Das expressed particular concern over the recent murder of a female constable by a policeman in Bhubaneswar and the gang rape of a college student in Puri district.
“Despite the Chief Minister holding the Home portfolio, crimes against women continue unabated. We hold the government responsible for this law-and-order collapse,” Das added.
BJD Targets ‘Double Engine’ Government
At its Legislature Party meeting chaired by Naveen Patnaik, the BJD lashed out at the BJP government, calling its performance “an all-out failure.”
Patnaik said that this short session carries special political significance:
“In just three-and-a-half months, the inefficiency and apathy of the so-called double engine government has become apparent. Women’s safety, fertiliser supply, and protection of farmers’ interests are in a shambles,” said Patnaik.
He further accused the government of trying to undermine the Panchayati Raj system by giving more financial powers to officials, rendering elected representatives powerless.
“This will be strongly opposed in the Assembly,” Patnaik warned.
Patnaik also criticised the government over the Rath Yatra stampede-like situation, saying such chaos and violence reflect the administration’s failure to maintain public safety.
“The BJP government has failed in every field except spreading lies. We will take a tough stand to safeguard farmers, women, the Panchayati Raj system, and Odia identity,” Patnaik said.
Security Tightened in Bhubaneswar
Ahead of the session, Odisha Police has put in place a three-tier security arrangement across Bhubaneswar. Around 30 platoons (900 personnel) have been deployed around the Assembly building. Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania personally reviewed the security arrangements.
