Searching for CM, BJD MLAs protest with lanterns in Odisha Assembly

Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed a unique form of protest on Tuesday as members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) held lanterns aloft while searching for the Chief Minister. This symbolic gesture was aimed at drawing attention to their demand for the leader's presence in the Assembly.

Also Read: Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati suspended for 7 days for ‘misconduct’ in Odisha Assembly

The BJD legislators were seen moving through various ministerial chambers, each holding a lantern as a part of their demonstration.

Cause behind the BJD's lantern protest

Despite the spectacle caused by this lantern protest, there has been no official response from the government on the matter.

Allegedly, agitating members wanted the presence of CM in the House amid pandemonium over senior BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra’s statement regarding the ongoing debate over ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ and its recognition as the state anthem of Odisha.

Clarifying his stance, Mishra had said, “Supreme Court earlier ruled that no state can have an official song or flag, as the country follows a single national Anthem and Flag.”

The BJP MLA further highlighted that the present state of Odisha was formed by merging three distinct regions—Utkala, Kalinga, and Koshala. Raising concerns, he had questioned whether it would be fair to celebrate only one region while neglecting the others.

This is what led to the ruckus

“Odisha was created by combining three regions—Utkala, Kalinga, and Koshala. If we recognise only ‘Bande Utkala Janani,’ which praises only Utkala, what about the other two regions? Should their identity be ignored?” Mishra questioned, adding that it is necessary to come up with a song respecting all 30 districts.

Amidst the ruckus that was witnessed in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday after members of the ruling BJP and opposition Congress scuffled in the well of the House, Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati alleged that most of the BJP MLAs are criminals.

Must Read: BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra breaks silence on ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ controversy

Notably, earlier in the day, Tara Prasad Bahinipati had a scuffle with Jayanarayan Mishra in the Assembly and was later suspended from the House for the next seven days.