Fertilizer crisis sparks ruckus in Odisha assembly
Bhubaneswar, Sep 19 (UNI) Proceedings of the Odisha Assembly were disrupted today after Opposition BJD members stalled the House, demanding a detailed debate on the fertiliser crisis in the state, forcing Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the House till 4 pm.
The uproar began during Question Hour when BJD members carrying banners and placards stormed into the well of the House, rushed to the Speaker’s podium, and raised slogans against the government over the scarcity of fertilisers, which they said had pushed farmers into distress.
Ignoring the protest, the Speaker asked School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond to reply to a question.
As the minister stood up, the agitated BJD members intensified their slogan shouting and accused the government of taking no steps to resolve the crisis.
The Speaker repeatedly urged the BJD members to return to their seats and cooperate with Question Hour.
However, they refused to relent, plunging the House into chaos. The proceedings lasted barely four minutes before the Speaker adjourned the House till 4pm.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress had moved an adjournment motion on the fertiliser crisis, which was accepted by the Speaker and scheduled for debate after Question Hour.
However, due to the BJD protest, Question Hour, Zero Hour, and the debate on the motion were completely washed out.
Speaking to reporters, BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik said her party wanted an immediate debate on the fertiliser crisis by suspending all other business.
She said farmers across the state had launched agitations over the non-supply of fertilisers, and since they constitute about 60 per cent of the population, their issue should take priority in the Assembly.
BJP members Agasti Behera and Irashis Acharya strongly criticised the BJD for stalling proceedings despite the government’s readiness to discuss the crisis.
They alleged that the BJD’s actions were aimed at defaming the BJP and drawing media attention rather than addressing farmers’ concerns.
