Odisha Assembly Deadlock Over Paddy Procurement
The Odisha Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions during the ongoing Budget Session as opposition parties staged protests over paddy procurement issues.
Legislators from the BJD and Congress stormed the well of the House, raising slogans against the government’s alleged failure to address farmers’ grievances.
Despite Speaker Surama Padhy’s appeals for order, the House was adjourned twice—first in the morning and later until 4 PM—as chaos persisted.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling attempted to respond on behalf of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, but opposition members continued sloganeering, some even trying to approach the Speaker’s chair before being restrained by security.
Outside the Assembly, BJD MLA Goutam Buddha Das demanded the resignation of Food Supplies Minister Krushna Patra, accusing the government of neglecting farmers.
Congress MLA Sofia Firdous also criticised the ruling BJP for failing to deliver on promises such as free electricity and for ignoring farmers’ concerns.
Senior BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra countered that the opposition weakened its case by disrupting proceedings instead of engaging in constructive debate.
The deadlock highlights growing tensions over paddy procurement, positioning farmers’ welfare as a central flashpoint in Odisha’s political discourse during this Budget Session.
