Bhubaneswar, February 17: Both Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Indian National Congress (INC) MLAs staged a walkout from the Odisha Assembly on the first day of the Budget Session, protesting the Governor’s speech.

BJD President Naveen Patnaik criticized the speech as “strong in words but weak in action,” accusing the BJP-led government of worsening law-and-order issues, particularly citing growing incidents of mob lynching.

Congress leader Rama Chandra Kadam echoed similar concerns, claiming the speech was disconnected from the state’s real challenges and government policies.

In response, BJP leaders defended the speech, calling the opposition’s objections unfounded. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, in his address, emphasized the state’s goal of development by 2036, highlighting plans for growth in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The Budget Session will continue with discussions, followed by the presentation of the State Budget on February 20.