Next Odisha Assembly session may be the last of current term: BJD

Amid the ‘One Nation One Election’ wind that is currently sweeping the political corridors of the country, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has indicated an early Assembly election in the State.

Speaking to reporters, BJD leader Badri Patra said, “This will be a short Assembly session and might be the last one too. If the Centre wants to bring one nation one election, then we are ready for it. We are better prepared for the elections.”

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was of a different opinion.

“The BJD wants early Assembly election because of the rapidly diminishing popularity of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. As far as the BJP is concerned, we are ready to face early elections,” said Odisha BJP leader, Prithviraj Harichandan.

The Congress was of the same opinion as well. Senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra said, “As per an India Today survey, the popularity of Naveen Patnaik is rapidly falling. That is why the BJD trying to go to elections as soon as possible,”

The Centre has called for a Special Session of the Parliament. The Union government on Thursday announced a "special session" of Parliament for five days between September 18 and 22 but kept the agenda under wraps, triggering speculation.

"Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having five sittings. Amid Amrit Kaal, looking forward to having fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on X.

As per political experts, a special session of the Parliament can be called under Section 85 of the Indian Constitution. Similar sessions were called in 1962, 1972, 1997, 2002, 2015 and in 2017.

However this time around, as there are many possible bills and issues like, one nation, one election, UCC, Women Reservation Bill etc., suspense continues over the agenda of the session

"A Parliament special session is not needed to hold early elections. I think the government is calling the session to tell the success stories of their government. They can discuss the UCC and one nation one election to set an election agenda for the next elections,” said Political Expert, Manas Behera.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Parliament and Assembly elections were being conducted simultaneously in the Country till 1967. But the rhythm was broken after the President’s rule was imposed in some States after 1967.