: The Odisha Legislative Assembly was adjourned indefinitely today following the conclusion of its winter session, which lasted a total of 11 days, ending 18 working days prior to schedule. The decision was reportedly taken with unanimous consent of the House members.
The winter session drew widespread attention, notably due to the address by President Draupadi Murmu, who spoke to the Assembly on matters of conduct and decorum. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also presented the supplementary budget, marking a key highlight of the session.
Tensions Rise Over Malkangiri Issue
The final day of the session witnessed intense debates over the ongoing Malkangiri unrest. Opposition legislators confronted the government over the handling of the situation in the district, citing concerns over law and order.
BJD legislator Ranendra Pratap Swain raised the issue, alleging, “Malkangiri is burning; another Kandhamal-like situation may arise. Many houses have been burnt, and lives lost, yet the Assembly continues its proceedings.” He criticized the state government for creating an atmosphere of unrest in the region.
Calls for Accountability and Investigations
Legislators demanded action and accountability from the government over multiple issues:
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The loss of Ratna Bhandar keys, with calls for a CBI investigation to ensure transparency.
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Opposition leaders stressed that the Prime Minister had earlier assured that such incidents would be thoroughly investigated if the BJP were in power in Odisha.
Swain further emphasized the urgency of forming a House Committee to address the Malkangiri issue promptly.
Assembly Debates Marked by Confrontations
The winter session also witnessed confrontations between the ruling and opposition parties over various matters. Lawmakers debated the conduct, decorum, and legislative procedures, highlighting sharp differences in approach.
During discussions, concerns were raised regarding the government’s responsiveness to public grievances and law enforcement in critical areas, reflecting the heightened political tensions in the Assembly.
Session Concludes Amid Unresolved Issues
As the winter session officially concludes, several pressing issues, including Malkangiri unrest and administrative accountability, remain unresolved. The adjournment marks a pause in legislative proceedings until further notice, with the Assembly expected to revisit these matters in future sessions.