Odisha Assembly Adjourned Amidst Protests Over MMDR Act
Bhubaneswar: The monsoon session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly opened on a stormy note on September 22, 2026.
Proceedings began with Vande Mataram and the National Anthem, followed by condolence resolutions moved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to honour former ministers, legislators, and victims of recent floods in Nepal and India.
However, the House quickly descended into chaos during Question Hour. Opposition members from the BJD and Congress stormed the well, raising slogans and waving placards.
Their primary demand was the rollback of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, which they argued would severely impact Odisha’s mining revenue. Concerns over errors in state textbooks added to the uproar.
Speaker Surama Padhy struggled to restore order but eventually adjourned the House until 1:10 PM.
The nine‑day session, scheduled to conclude on October 3, is expected to introduce six bills, including one proposing salary hikes for legislators.
Yet, confrontations over the MMDR Act are likely to dominate proceedings.
