Bhubaneswar, November 30: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is preparing to raise several pressing issues in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on December 1.
A party leader said that the BJD intends to bring up allegations of electoral irregularities in the recent Nuapada bypolls in Odisha, claiming large-scale discrepancies. The party has previously raised concerns with the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding similar issues during the 2024 State elections.
In addition to electoral matters, the BJD is set to push for the long-standing demand of Special Category State status for Odisha. The party will also highlight concerns related to the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state, including the increasing incidence of crimes against women and children.
Another major issue to be addressed is the ongoing investigation into the multi-crore police recruitment scam, which is currently under the purview of the CBI. The BJD will also raise the unresolved disputes regarding the Polavaram project and the Mahanadi river.
On economic matters, the party will advocate for a hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers and call for a revision in coal royalty and green tax. The establishment of fully-equipped AIIMS hospitals in Sambalpur, Koraput, and Balasore will also be on the party’s agenda.
Further, the BJD will seek a resolution to 139 pending proposals concerning the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list for Odisha, and demand the inclusion of the Ho, Mundari, Bhumij, Saora, and Kui languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The party will also push for the complete removal of GST on kendu leaf, a crucial product in the state.
In addition to these state-specific issues, the BJD is expected to raise national concerns, including the rising prices of essential commodities and the growing unemployment problem, both of which are affecting the entire country.
The Winter Session of Parliament is set to run from December 1 to December 19. Ahead of the session, a series of strategic meetings took place on Sunday, with floor leaders from various political parties discussing the agenda.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that 50 leaders from 36 parties participated in the discussions, stating that the government is ready to address all issues while ensuring the smooth transaction of business during the session.
