Since the recent Rajya Sabha elections, opposition members have continued protests in the Odisha Assembly over the SCB ICU fire incident.
The House remained stalled for the eighth consecutive day since March 17.
Yesterday, opposition legislators staged a united protest wearing black T-shirts. Today, they marked the ekadasha ritual of the 11 victims of the fire tragedy. All opposition members gathered at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside the Assembly premises and paid tribute by writing the names of the deceased.
Today, members of BJD, Congress, and CPI(M) disrupted Question Hour, shouting slogans demanding the resignation of the Health Minister while holding posters inside the House. BJP legislator Ashrit Pattanayak’s question was answered by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling instead of the Chief Minister, which further fueled protests. Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House until 11:30 a.m.
After adjournment, opposition members staged a protest at the Gandhi statue, displaying placards with slogans such as “BJD Congress brothers looting Odisha,” “Assembly closed for party interests,” and “Naveen now stands alone.” BJP legislators also displayed placards from their seats, criticising the opposition’s motives.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida condemned the opposition, stating that the government had taken swift action after the SCB incident, but the opposition refused to cooperate. She urged them to join discussions instead of stalling proceedings. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan and Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo also appealed for dialogue.
Despite repeated efforts, the Assembly remained in a stalemate. The speaker announced adjournment until Monday, citing Ashokashtami and the Rukuna Rath festival. Departmental expenditure discussions scheduled for today will now be taken up on March 30.
