Odisha Assembly Budget Session Begins Amid Tight Security
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly is set to commence its budget session in two phases from February 17 to April 8, 2026, under unprecedented security arrangements.
A total of 35 platoons of police have been deployed around the Assembly premises, supported by specialized units including the Striking Force, Special Tactical Unit (STU), bomb disposal squad, dog squad, and fire services.
Police Commissioner S. Debadatta Singh personally inspected the security setup, which includes seven Additional DCPs, 24 ACPs, 27 Inspectors, and 110 Sub-Inspectors and ASIs.
CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic points, while temporary control rooms and emergency protocols are in place to ensure swift response to any disturbances.
The session also carries political significance, with attention on suspended BJD MLAs Aravind Mahapatra and Sanatan Mahakud.
Mahapatra has stated he will show respect to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik if they meet in the Assembly but emphasized he has no expectations or questions for him.
He criticized internal opposition in his constituency, calling them a “conspiratorial group” that weakened his vote base.
The combination of heightened security and political undercurrents sets the stage for a closely watched budget session in Odisha.
