'Biju storm' disrupts Odisha Assembly proceeding

The Odisha State Assembly faced significant disruption on Friday as chaotic scenes unfolded due to a protest by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) members over the government's decision to shift the Panchayati Raj Diwas celebration from March 5 to April 24. The pandemonium forced the Odisha Assembly Speaker to suspend proceedings until noon and then till 4 pm.

Also Read: Odisha Assembly Budget Session: House adjourned till 12 pm as Oppositions create ruckus

Protests Over Panchayat Day Date Change

The unrest began with BJD members expressing vehement opposition to the government's decision to change the date of Panchayat Raj Diwas celebration, which the party claims to be a disrespect to the memory of the late Biju Patnaik.

Before the session officially began, BJD legislators created ruckus, making it clear that a turbulent session was ahead. As the session got underway, the situation quickly escalated with BJD members attempting to storm the Speaker's podium as a demonstration of their dissent.

Speaker's Efforts to Maintain Order

Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy made concerted attempts to restore order within the Assembly. Despite her efforts, the disruption persisted, prompting an adjournment until 12:00 pm. Later, the House was adjourned till 4 pm. Meanwhile, outside the Assembly, BJD members continued their demonstration in front of the statue of Biju Patnaik.

“The people of Odisha are not accepting the disrespect towards Biju Patnaik by changing the date of Panchayati Raj Diwas. We want the immediate roll back. The BJP government has changed the date through executive order and it gross violation of cabinet mandate,” alleged BJD MLA Arun Sahoo.

BJP’s Response 

Responding to the BJD ruckus and allegations, BJP MLA Amar Nayak said, “There are several measures highlighted in the procedure to keep their voice through discussion. They are experienced leaders and they know the practice of Assembly. Without doing any discussion and creating ruckus has no meaning.”