On Thursday, the second phase of the Odisha Assembly’s budget session began with Congress and opposition BJD MLAs upsetting the House over various concerns acting disruptively.
Protests from BJD legislators greeted the Odisha government’s decision to relocate Panchayati Raj Diwas from March 5 to April 24, claiming it was insulting to former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. Conversely, Congressmen expressed worry about the claimed increase in violence directed against state women.
The question hour was postponed when members of both sides began shouting slogans from their seats as soon as the House convened. Chaos got more severe when Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati and BJD MLA Adhiraj Panigrahy sought to reach the Speaker’s podium as Congress and BJD MLAs arrived in the House’s well.
Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House till lunchtime since the commotion made it impossible to carry with discussions. Congress MLAs staged a protest next to the Mahatma Gandhi monument after the adjournment, while BJD legislators held a dharna on the Assembly grounds in front of the Biju Patnaik monument.
“This disrespect to the legendary leader has incensed the people of Odisha, especially those who admire Biju Babu.” Speaking with reporters outside the House, BJD MLA Arun Sahoo insisted that the government clarify why Panchayati Raj Diwas was relocated and promptly fix March 5 as the official date.Â
Furthermore asked by Sahoo was whether the government under BJP leadership had formally resolved April 24 to be Panchayati Raj Diwas.
Concurrent with this, Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati voiced concerns about women’s safety in Odisha, alleging multiple cases of sexual abuse targeted against young girls. “A Class-X student has became pregnant; a Class-VI girl from the Chief Minister’s area was recently raped; and girl students in hostels are under harassment and torture.” Stated another way, “We will not remain silent on these matters.”
