Bhubaneswar, 22 September (H.S.): The opening day of the Monsoon Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly was disrupted on Tuesday as Opposition BJD and Congress members staged protests over the MMDR Bill and alleged errors in school textbooks, forcing Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the House twice.

The House was initially adjourned till 1.10 pm after Opposition members entered the Well carrying placards and raising slogans over the issues. When the Assembly reconvened, the protesting members resumed their agitation, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings again, this time till 4 pm.

The session began with obituary references to former legislators, public figures and public servants who had passed away. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi moved the condolence motions and expressed grief over the demise of the distinguished personalities.

The House also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent floods in Nepal. Members observed the customary solemn proceedings before the Assembly moved on to its scheduled business.

However, as Question Hour commenced, BJD and Congress MLAs rushed to the Well carrying placards and raising slogans over the MMDR Bill and alleged errors in school textbooks.

Speaker Surama Padhy appealed to the protesting members to return to their seats and allow the House to function. As the protests continued, she adjourned the proceedings till 1.10 pm.

When the House reassembled at 1.10 pm, Opposition members again resumed their protest, disrupting the proceedings. With the continued uproar preventing normal legislative business, the Speaker adjourned the House till 4 pm.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda