Odisha Minister criticises Opposition ‘conduct’ in Legislative Assembly

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari expressed his discontent on Monday with the alleged behaviour and language exhibited by Opposition MLAs during the recent Assembly session.

Also Read: BJP alleges OPCC chief behind disruptions in Odisha Assembly, Congress responds

Pujari raised significant concerns about actions that, he argued, violated established norms of legislative conduct, pointing to historical criticisms from the judiciary regarding similar behaviours.

The Minister condemned disruptions, including shouting near the Assembly Speaker, ringing bells, climbing the podium, and attempts to damage microphones, as acts that undermine the State's parliamentary integrity. His comments highlighted the need for respectful discourse within the Legislative Assembly, particularly when addressing pressing issues such as violence against women.

Accusations made by the Minister

“Opposition parties are blowing whistles in front of the Speaker inside the Legislative Assembly, attempting to climb the podium of Speaker, that too in an auspicious House where a woman Speaker is present, trying to snatch away the mike from her podium. Such behaviours are not at all healthy for society, Odisha, and parliamentary democracy,” the Minister said.

“Through the media, I want to advise them that the issues on which they are keen to discuss, we will help them to discuss the issues. But, they must take part in the discussions and have the patience to listen to the answers thereof,” the Minister stated.

Targeting the BJD and Congress party specifically, the Minister warned that such disruptive behaviour might alienate public support and further erode the party's once-dominant status unless corrective measures are implemented immediately.

Notably, the Assembly has been facing pandemonium by Opposition parties for the last few days and daily businesses of the House are getting hampered. Senior BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra ignited controversy on Friday with accusations directed at Congress.

“An all-party meeting was convened, which was attended by two of their (Congress) leaders, including its legislature party leader (Rama Chandra Kadam) and Bahinipati (Tara Prasad). They said that ‘we are creating ruckus because our party president (PCC chief Bhakta Charan Das) has instructed us to do so. Otherwise, we are not interested in this (ruckus)’,” by quoting Bahinipati, Jayanarayan Mishra had said to mediapersons.

Must Read: Pandemonium in Odisha Assembly stalls House proceedings for third consecutive day

“How the House will run if persons from outside will decide whether it will run or not. We asked them to protest peacefully without disturbing others,” the BJP MLA had added.

No comments were received from the opposition parties in this regard.