Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: The Odisha Legislative Assembly was adjourned till 1:10 PM on Tuesday, September 22 on the opening day of the Monsoon Session after intense protests by Opposition MLAs from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress during Question Hour. The Opposition members raised slogans and demanded the withdrawal of the recent amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, arguing that the move could affect Odisha’s mineral rights and revenue.
Speaker Surama Padhy repeatedly appealed to the protesting members to maintain decorum and allow the House to function smoothly. However, as the disruption and slogan-shouting continued, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings till 1:10 PM.
After the House assembled, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi moved condolence resolutions in memory of former legislators who had passed away. A separate condolence resolution was also moved for those who lost their lives in the floods in Nepal. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik supported the resolutions.
The Monsoon Session will continue till October 3, with nine working days scheduled. As many as six bills are likely to be introduced during the session.
The short session is expected to witness heated exchanges between the government and the Opposition over several issues. Apart from the MMDR amendment, Opposition parties have planned to raise the issue of alleged errors in school textbooks and other matters concerning the state government.
The BJD has reportedly submitted a notice seeking a motion and discussion on the MMDR-related issue. The Opposition is also planning programmes outside the Assembly to put pressure on the government during the session.
Meanwhile, the state government has said it is prepared to face the issues likely to be raised by the Opposition and respond to the concerns during the session.
