Bhubaneswar, Sep 18: The Odisha Assembly was adjourned on the first day of its monsoon session after paying tribute to seven former legislators and two police personnel who recently passed away.

The session began at 11 AM, with Speaker Surama Padhy allowing Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to move a condolence motion over the demise of sitting MLA Rajendra Dholakia, former Deputy Speaker Bibhuti Busan Singh Mardaraj, and former members Prasanna Kumar Pattnaik, Karendra Majhi, Niranjan Hermbram, Prafulla Kumar Bhanj, and Mohammad Rafique. It also paid tribute to two constables, Loknath Sabar and Laxman Majhi, who died in the line of duty.

Chief Minister Majhi expressed deep respect for the deceased, recalling his personal associations with Dholakia and Karendra Majhi. He also praised the bravery and sacrifice of the two constables.

Leaders from across party lines joined in offering their condolences. BJD Deputy Leader Prasanna Acharya, Congress Legislature Party Leader Rama Chandra Kadam, and CPI(M) MLA Laxman Munda each paid homage to the departed leaders and police personnel.

Speaker Surama Padhy also extended condolences on behalf of the entire House, acknowledging the individual contributions of each late member. She noted that, in keeping with tradition, the Assembly would be adjourned for the day in honour of Rajendra Dholakia, who was a sitting member of the 17th Assembly.

Members of the House stood in silence for two minutes as a mark of respect. Following the tributes, the Speaker invited all MLAs to participate in a tree plantation drive on the Assembly premises.

The monsoon session, which commenced on Thursday, will continue until September 25, with a break scheduled for September 21.