Chaos Over Debate
The Odisha Legislative Assembly has remained paralysed for three consecutive days, with uproarious protests by the opposition derailing proceedings. Instead of deliberations on public issues, the truncated monsoon session has turned into a battleground of slogans, adjournments, and disruptions.
Of the seven scheduled working days, three have already been “washed out,” leaving just four days for discussions on key matters of governance and development.
Opposition Uproar Over Fertiliser Shortage
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs have been at the forefront of the protests, alleging a severe fertiliser shortage that is hitting farmers across the state. They stormed into the well of the House with placards, shouting slogans, and forcing repeated adjournments.
On Friday, the Assembly could function for only 15 minutes in total. The morning session ended abruptly after chaos broke out, and the post-lunch sitting lasted just a few minutes before being adjourned till Monday.
Democratic Functioning in Question
The repeated stalemates have raised grave concerns. A senior legislator, speaking anonymously, remarked, “Even the Assembly, with its very core of discussing people’s problems, is being defeated.”
So far, neither Question Hour nor Zero Hour has been conducted without disruption, turning the Assembly into a stage of confrontation rather than constructive dialogue.
BJP Slams BJD’s “Deliberate Disruptions”
Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs have accused the BJD of intentionally stalling proceedings. BJP legislator Santosh Khatua directly attacked the opposition’s tactics, saying:
“They are not only disrupting the House but also paralysing governance. Is this a policy to kill farmers? With farmer registrations up by 25% and paddy harvest projections at 100 lakh metric tonnes, Odisha is heading towards self-sufficiency, not starvation.”
BJD Escalates to Governor
Meanwhile, the BJD has escalated the matter beyond the Assembly. Its leaders marched to Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum to Governor Raghubar Das, urging him to intervene and resolve the fertiliser crisis. The move highlights the widening gulf between the ruling and opposition benches, with both sides trading charges of governance failure.
Public Concerns Over Wasted Session
With the monsoon session already half lost, pressing agendas such as flood relief, agricultural distress, and developmental programmes remain unaddressed. Citizens and stakeholders now worry that public money is being wasted on repeated adjournments and political theatrics.
The big question remains: Will Monday bring order to Odisha’s highest democratic forum—or yet another day of disorder?