Odisha Assembly session ends in 4 days, ruling-BJD says ‘no business left’

The winter session of the Odisha Assembly concluded way ahead of its schedule on Friday after running for just four days.

While the Opposition termed it a cowardly act and the murder of democracy by the State government, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) cited there is no business left for the House to assemble.

“The government does not have enough courage to face the Opposition in the Assembly. When MLAs from across Odisha have come here to raise the issues of their respective constituencies, ending the session abruptly is uncalled for,” said Opposition Chief Whip, Mohan Majhi.

Congress MLA, Tara Prasad Bahinipati too slammed the government saying it is the misfortune of Odisha that such a party is ruling the State. “This is an utterly shameful act. The government ended the session in just four days while it was scheduled for 40 days. This government has murdered democracy in the State.”

However, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) denied all allegations. Ruling party Chief Whip, Prashant Muduli said, “We have discussed the adjournment motion in the House. The House does not have any business left. A lot of other MLAs are busy in their respective Constituencies. We have all seen how the Opposition behaved in the Assembly in the first two days. Looking at all this, the House decided to end this session.”

The Winter Session of the Odisha Assembly commenced on Tuesday with the passing of a condolence motion brought by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. It was scheduled to remain in session till December 30, 2023.