Bhubaneswar, Nov 27: President Droupadi Murmu is set to arrive in Bhubaneswar today to deliver a special address to the Odisha Legislative Assembly, coinciding with the opening of the Winter Session. This marks a historic moment as it will be the first time a sitting President addresses the state legislature.
After delivering her address, President Murmu is expected to spend some time in the Assembly’s Room No. 11, a chamber that served as her office when she was an MLA and held key positions in the Fisheries and Transport departments between 2000 and 2004. Ahead of her visit, the Assembly premises, including Room No. 11, have been specially decorated, and extensive security measures have been implemented across the capital city to ensure her safety and smooth movement.
The Winter Session of the Odisha Assembly will officially commence today, with the President’s address being the inaugural event. On the second day of the session, the House will take up the Supplementary Budget.
Speaker Pramila Mallik has called for cooperation from all political parties to ensure smooth and constructive proceedings during the session. She held discussions with both ruling and opposition legislators and urged for an orderly debate. Political parties are preparing their strategies, with both the BJD and Congress planning to raise key issues in the House.
The BJD intends to highlight concerns related to agriculture, law and order, women’s safety, recruitment scams, alleged mafia operations, and issues surrounding Mission Shakti. The party has also stressed the importance of allowing adequate floor time for the Opposition.
Congress MLAs, on the other hand, have resolved to focus on issues such as women’s harassment, electoral malpractice, farmer welfare, unemployment, and recruitment irregularities during the session.
