Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: Political tensions in Odisha have surfaced ahead of the November 16 orientation programme for newly elected MLAs, with the Congress announcing its decision to boycott the event to be attended by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan.

The party has also appealed to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to extend support to its protest.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das said the party respects constitutional institutions and their dignitaries but questioned the timing and purpose of the proposed programme, citing what he described as several unresolved issues confronting the state.

Speaking to the media, Das said that constitutional authorities such as the President and Vice President deserve due respect. However, he questioned the relevance of organising an orientation programme for legislators at a time when the state is grappling with several pressing issues.

“The condition of the state is deteriorating. If legislators are to be constitutionally empowered, they must participate in such programmes. But this government does not respect MLAs,” Das said.

He claimed that opposition legislators belonging to the Congress and BJD were already experienced and did not need such training.

“Training is required for BJP MLAs, not opposition legislators. They are against the Constitution and have failed to protect it. This training programme is meant to teach them how to become subservient,” the PCC president alleged.

Das urged BJD legislators and other opposition members to stay away from the programme in solidarity with the Congress.

Reacting to the Congress's decision, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that those who chose to boycott the programme would lose an opportunity to gain knowledge and improve their legislative understanding.

“Whoever does not want to attend may stay away. But I need learning. They seem to have already received training on how to create disturbances in the Assembly, prevent others from speaking and avoid debates and discussions. They do not need training, knowledge or reading. May God bless them,” Pujari remarked.

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Vice President C P Radhakrishnan is scheduled to undertake a two-day visit to Odisha and attend the orientation programme at the Odisha Legislative Assembly on November 16.

The one-day programme will comprise three sessions. The inaugural session will be attended by the Vice President, Governor, Chief Minister and Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

The programme is designed to familiarise newly elected legislators with the functioning of various legislative committees and their roles and responsibilities.