Odisha Assembly Monsoon Session Set for Stormy Debates

The Odisha Assembly’s Monsoon Session, scheduled from September 22 to October 3, is expected to witness heated exchanges over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.

Opposition parties, including the BJD and Congress, have demanded a special session to debate the amendment, alleging it undermines Odisha’s taxation powers on mineral rights and centralises control with the Centre.

The government, however, has rejected the demand, insisting that the matter can be addressed in the regular session.

The BJP has signalled openness to discussion but dismissed the need for a special sitting.

Beyond the MMDR row, the session is likely to spotlight flood management failures in North Odisha, particularly Jajpur, errors in school textbooks, the Mahanadi water dispute, and irregularities in paddy procurement.

An all‑party meeting on September 21 aims to ensure smooth proceedings, while the government plans to introduce five to six bills during the nine‑day sitting.

With multiple contentious issues converging, the Monsoon Session promises to be politically charged and closely watched.