TV
The opposition Congress on Thursday formally submitted a no-confidence motion against the Odisha government, citing failures on unemployment, corruption, and stalled development.
The move was backed by the lone CPI(M) legislator, setting the stage for an upcoming debate in the Assembly. Notably, the no-confidence motion was moved on the very first day of the monsoon session of the Odisha Assembly.
Congress Submits Motion To Speaker
Congress Legislative Party leader Ramachandra Kadam handed over the no-confidence proposal to the Assembly Secretary. Party legislators were also seen at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s chamber in his absence, where they met BJD leaders Pratap Deb and Sarada Jena. Kadam was joined by senior Congress MLAs Tara Prasad Bahinipati and others in leading the delegation.
Kadam said the motion had been filed “in line with the people’s sentiments” and accused the government of failing to deliver in the last 15 months.
“Unemployment is at its peak, corruption has touched new heights, and even projects announced by the Chief Minister have stalled. Government employees are protesting, students were denied campus polls, and issues of women’s safety and education remain unaddressed,” said Congress MLA Sofia Firdous.
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Calls For Broader Opposition Support
Congress legislators confirmed that discussions had been held with the BJD and that mutual support had been assured.
“We have submitted the no-confidence motion and held discussions with the BJD. They had earlier said they would support us if we brought it, and we also assured them support if they did the same,” Kadam told reporters.
Congress MLA Tara Bahinipati said 14 Congress legislators, along with CPI(M)’s Laxman Munda, had signed the motion. “As per House rules, the Speaker may allow a discussion after Question Hour. We are prepared to raise the failures of this government,” Bahinipati said.
BJD And BJP React To The Move
The chief opposition BJD has maintained a cautious stance. Chief Whip Pramila Mallik said, “We speak for the people. The Congress has not officially placed any proposal before us. If they do, it will be discussed.”
Meanwhile, the ruling BJP dismissed the Congress initiative, calling it symbolic. Ekamra MLA Babu Singh said, “A no-confidence motion is normal and signals that the government must work harder. But with one-tenth the strength of the House, if the Congress thinks it can pull off a no-confidence motion, it is laughable. There is no threat to the government.”
The no-confidence motion will be taken up as per Assembly procedure in the coming days. While the Congress and CPI(M) have aligned on the issue, their combined strength remains far short of the numbers required.
