Bhubaneswar, February 20: The Odisha Assembly on Friday witnessed intense disruptions as members of both BJD and Congress launched protests over alleged mismanagement in paddy procurement across the State, forcing Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn proceedings till 4 PM.

As soon as the House met for Question Hour at 10.30 AM, BJD and Congress MLAs rushed to the well of the House, waving placards and banners and raising slogans against the State Government, bringing proceedings to a standstill.

The Speaker repeatedly urged agitating members to return to their seats but with no response, she adjourned the House till 11.30 AM.

Congress MLAs staged a symbolic protest by wearing black ribbons, while opposition members demanded the resignation of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.

The opposition has been protesting in the Assembly for the past two days, alleging large-scale mismanagement in paddy procurement and the problems being faced by the farmers. Similar scenes unfolded during Question Hour today, with repeated sloganeering and demonstrations.

When the House reassembled, similar scenes prevailed forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House 12 noon before convening an all-party meeting to resolve the impasse. The proceedings were also adjourned for another 15 minutes till 12.15 PM as the all-party meeting was underway.

As the House again assembled at 12.15 PM, Speaker adjourned the House until 4 PM amid the continuing uproar.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who holds the Finance portfolio, will present the annual Budget at 4 PM today.