Thursday will mark a golden chapter in the history of the Odisha Legislative Assembly as President Droupadi Murmu becomes the first President of independent India to address the House.
Arriving at the Assembly premises at 4:20 PM, she will deliver her historic speech at 4:30 PM, which the public can watch live. The premises have been adorned with flowers and colourful lights, with all preparations in the final stages.
Upon arrival, the President will be accorded a Guard of Honor before entering the House, where the national anthem will play. Special seating arrangements have been made near the Speaker’s chair for the President, the Governor, and the Speaker. Her address is expected to last around 30 minutes, focusing on disciplined parliamentary procedures and the responsibilities of legislators.
President Murmu is slated to spend about one and a half hours at the Assembly. Following her speech, she will pose for a group photo with the House members. She will also visit Room No. 11, where she served as the Transport Minister in the BJP-BJD alliance government from 2000 to 2004. The chamber has been specially decorated to revive her old memories. Additionally, she will engage in courtesy discussions with Assembly staff.
The historic occasion will see the presence of current MLAs, former MLAs, MPs, ministers, and senior administrative officials. The press gallery has been given a fresh look. Both ruling and opposition parties are buzzing with immense enthusiasm, viewing this as a new height for Odisha’s democratic glory.
According to government sources, President Murmu will arrive on November 27 via a special Indian Air Force aircraft at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. She will then proceed to Raj Bhavan to inaugurate the newly constructed Kalinga Guest House. After her Assembly address from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, she will spend the night at Raj Bhavan and attend a dinner hosted by the Governor. She is scheduled to depart from Odisha the next morning at 9:35 AM.
