Bhubaneswar, 23 February (H.S.) : On the sixth day of Odisha Assembly’s Budget Session, opposition MLAs created a ruckus, disrupting proceedings and preventing the Question Hour from taking place. BJD legislators raised various issues faced by farmers, while Congress lawmakers protested over the Epstein file, demanding the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Due to the disruptions, the Assembly Speaker initially adjourned the House until 11:30 AM and later called a all-party meeting before suspending proceedings.

As per the scheduled agenda, House proceedings commenced at 10:30 AM. Speaker Surma Padi attempted to begin the Question Hour, but repeated disruptions by opposition members prevented its conduct. BJD lawmakers protested irregularities in paddy procurement, issues at the paddy mandis, and other problems affecting farmers, often raising slogans from the middle of the House. Similarly, Congress members vocally raised the Epstein file issue.

The Speaker repeatedly urged lawmakers to return to their seats and cooperate with House proceedings, but the appeals had no effect. Consequently, the Speaker adjourned the House at 10:36 AM, resuming it at 11:30 AM.

When proceedings resumed, disruptions continued during Zero Hour, with BJD and Congress legislators again raising slogans. Tensions escalated between ruling and opposition party members. To resolve the deadlock, the Speaker convened an all-party meeting and announced the suspension of House proceedings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda