Bhubaneswar, 19 February (H.S.): The budget session of the Odisha Assembly was disrupted on Wednesday due to intense protests from opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress. Members from both parties caused a commotion, prompting Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the session until 4 PM.

The unrest was triggered by BJD members protesting the ruling BJP's alleged plans to restructure the Mission Shakti executive committees. In response, BJD legislators staged a walkout and held a dharna near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the Assembly premises. The BJD expressed concerns about the necessity of restructuring these committees, emphasizing that Mission Shakti members had been protesting at Master Canteen Square for an extended period without any resolution from the BJP government.

BJD MLA Arun Sahu stressed that Mission Shakti women are non-political and focused solely on providing service. He urged the government to cooperate with them and address their grievances.

Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati led a protest near the Speaker’s podium, demanding justice for women in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda