Odisha Assembly Speaker directs marshals to remove suspended Congress MLAs

Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly ordered marshals to remove the Congress MLAs, who were suspended from the House earlier on Tuesday, as they continued their protests.

Also Read: 12 Congress MLAs suspended from Odisha Assembly for unruly behaviour

The directive was issued in response to disruptions caused by the suspended members, who were protesting their suspension. Following the directive, the Speaker also adjourned the Assembly session for 20 minutes.

Despite the order, the suspended MLAs persevered with their demonstration, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the Assembly.

Notably, at least 12 Congress MLAs were suspended from the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday for displaying ‘unruly behaviour’ in the House. The decision was taken following a proposal moved by the Chief Whip of the ruling party, citing violations of legislative conduct.

Speaker suspended these Congress MLAs

Out of the total 14 legislators from Congress, 12 members faced suspension. The Opposition MLAs are Rama Chandra Kadam (Pottangi), CS Raazen Ekka (Rajgangpur), Dasarathi Gamango (Mohana), Ashok Kumar Das (Basudevpur), Satyajeet Gamango (Gunupur), Sagar Charan Das (Bhawanipatna), Kadraka Appala Swamy (Rayagada), Prafulla Chandra Pradhan (Kandhamal), Pabitra Saunta (Koraput), Sofia Firdous (Barabati-Cuttack), Mangu Khilla (Chitrakonda), and Nilamadhab Hikaka (Bissam Cuttack).

All the 12 Congress legislators have been suspended for a period of seven days. Those not suspended are Ramesh Jena (Sanakhemundi) and Tara Prasad Bahinipati (Jeypore).

The measure was taken after repeated disruptions during Assembly proceedings, leading to concerns over maintaining order and discipline in the House.

The Congress MLAs were seen beating gongs and cymbals to draw the attention of the State government towards their demand, particularly over the safety of women in the State.

Must Read: Odisha Minister criticises Opposition ‘conduct’ in Legislative Assembly

Congress MLA Tara Bahinipati said, “I was feeling unwell, so I went home. It is a murder of democracy which had never happened. Today, the BJP government has created history for Odisha and will be remembered for murdering democracy. Congress is not scared, we will fight. I and Ramesh Jena have not been suspended, we will continue with our protest.”

Congress agitates outside Assembly in protest

Meanwhile, five Congress leaders, including the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief, were detained outside the Legislative Assembly as tensions rose sharply later today as the party launched a protest against the suspension of its MLAs. A confrontation ensued between security officials and senior Congress figures, who attempted to enter the Assembly premises.

During the subsequent disturbance, altercations broke out between suspended Congress MLAs and security personnel. As emotions heightened, Congress supporters staged a sit-in protest outside the Assembly. Subsequently, police picked up the protestors.

Despite their removal, the Congress party MLAs remained resolute in their demonstration, pledging to persist with their protest. The protest was underway till the time when this report was filed.