Bhubaneswar, February 21: The Odisha Assembly witnessed a massive uproar for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday as members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress launched protests over the alleged distress sale of paddy and mismanagement in paddy procurement across the State, forcing Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn proceedings first till 11.30 AM, then till 4 PM, moments after it re-convened.

As soon as the House met for the Question Hour, Congress MLAs protested wearing black ribbons on head. The stir intensified when BJD MLAs joined in the protest, accusing the BJP Government of being anti-farmer and anti-poor.

The Speaker repeatedly urged agitating members to return to their seats but with no response, she adjourned the House till 11.30 AM.

When the House reassembled, the confrontational atmosphere persisted. Speaker Padhy was forced to adjourn the House till 4 PM within moments.

The BJD and Congress members remained steadfast in their protest in the well of the House, refusing to end their sloganeering over the paddy procurement crisis.

Outside the Assembly, Congress legislature Party leader Ramachandra Kadam said, “Government and millers are exploiting the farmers. We want discussion on it but the Government does not want a discussion. Hence, we are protesting the in the House for the cause of the farmers.”

The ruling BJP slammed the opposition for disrupting the House proceedings.

BJP MLA Sanatan Bijuli hit out at the opposition saying Congress and BJD are anti-farmer.

“Opposition BJD and Congress are anti-farmer. They are disrupting the proceedings of the House. Government is always ready for a discussion,” said Bijuli.