TV
As the Winter Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly is scheduled to begin on November 26, political tensions in the State are reaching a zenith, with the Opposition parties preparing to confront the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on several contentious matters.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress are aligning their efforts to question the BJP on numerous issues, including the controversial mango kernel deaths, the alleged mismanagement in paddy procurement, rising concerns over law and order, and disputes tied to the Adani Group’s ‘land purchase’ at Gandhamardan Hills.
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The ruling party, under pressure from these anticipated confrontations, is organising its strategy. Part of their plan includes highlighting the accomplishments achieved by the State government over the past five months and detailing alleged corruption and failures during the 24-year tenure of the previous government led by Opposition BJD.
Led by BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik, the party has held a legislative party meeting at Shankha Bhawan, where they cemented their agenda to hold the BJP accountable during the Winter Session. The Congress is likewise preparing a series of topics to corner the government.
“Lots of incidents took place during the past five months, which had never occurred in the last 24 years. We as an Opposition party will raise the people’s voice in the House,” senior BJD leader Pramila Mallick expressed.
“Unemployment has increased like anything in the State and there is no job opportunity. We will raise this issue in the House, including a spike in prices of commodities,” Congress legislator Ramachandra Kadam stated.
In a parallel move, the BJP conducted a strategic meeting at Hall No 54, attended by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, BJP's state unit chief Manmohan Samal and a few senior party functionaries. Their plan involves presenting the State government's achievements and a report on promises fulfilled during their approximately five-month tenure.
Commencing tomorrow, the Winter Session will encompass 30 working days. Initially, the Chief Minister is expected to introduce an additional budget, followed by debates on several proposed bills.
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The preceding session was marked by considerable upheaval, including a three-day deadlock associated with a Governor-related issue and events concerning the Speaker.
Efforts are underway to ensure smoother proceedings this time, with the Speaker urging an all-party meeting to foster collaborative discussions.
All eyes will remain focused on how the BJP-led government maintains decorum amidst heated debates and Opposition challenges in this second legislative session.
