Odisha Assembly Monsoon Session Ends Abruptly Amid MMDR Act Protest
The seventh session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly concluded on September 28, 2026, four days ahead of schedule, after continuous disruptions over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act (MMDR Act).
Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House sine die at 6:54 pm.
Congress MLAs created chaos by ringing bells at the podium, demanding a debate on the MMDR Act.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) joined the protest and staged a walkout, accusing the central government of undermining Odisha’s control over its mineral wealth.
For five consecutive days, opposition members stalled proceedings, including Question Hour.
The session, originally scheduled for nine sittings, managed only five.
Despite passing six bills and presenting 18 annual reports, the House answered just eight starred questions out of 950 tabled.
The opposition’s demand for a state resolution against the MMDR Act was rejected, intensifying the standoff.
The monsoon session will be remembered less for its legislative output and more for the ringing of bells, empty opposition benches, and an early adjournment amid protest.
