Odisha News: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Feb 14: The second day of the Budget Session of the Odisha Assembly witnessed unruly scenes as opposition parties created a ruckus over alleged malpractices in paddy procurement and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
As soon as the House assembled at 10:30 am, legislators from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress stormed into the well, shouting slogans and demanding immediate government intervention. BJD members strongly opposed the closure of mandis, alleging that farmers were facing severe distress due to irregularities in paddy procurement. Meanwhile, Congress MLAs sought to corner the government over rising crime rates and the state’s worsening law and order situation. Unable to restore order, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the session at 10:34 am.
When the House reconvened at noon, the protests intensified. BJD legislators continued raising slogans against ‘katni-chanti’, mandi shutdowns, and procurement irregularities, while ignoring the Speaker’s repeated pleas to maintain decorum. Despite assurances that their concerns could be addressed during the adjournment motion, the opposition remained adamant, leading to further disruption. With the Assembly unable to function smoothly, legislative discussions were severely hampered.
