Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die on Tuesday night, wrapping up the 2026-27 Budget Session five working days ahead of its scheduled end on April 8.
The sixth session of the 17th Assembly, which began on February 17 and was planned for 28 working days across two phases, ultimately functioned for only 22 days.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented a Rs 3.10 lakh crore annual budget on February 20 during the first phase. On the final day, the House passed the Appropriation Bill, authorising the government to withdraw and spend Rs 3.10 lakh crore from the state’s Consolidated Fund for the financial year 2026-27. The budget emphasises infrastructure, economic growth, capital outlay, and long-term goals aligned with Vision 2036 and 2047.
Only two official bills were passed during the session, while five adjournment motions moved by the Opposition were debated.
In a notable move on the last day, the government formally withdrew controversial legislation from the previous session that had proposed a significant hike in salaries and allowances for MLAs, ministers, the Chief Minister, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker. The bills, which had faced widespread public backlash, were passed in December 2025.
The session, however, was frequently disrupted by protests from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress. A major trigger was the tragic fire on March 16 at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which claimed the lives of 12 patients. Opposition members repeatedly demanded the resignation of the Health Minister, accusing the government of negligence.
Another flashpoint was the uproar over alleged “disrespectful remarks” by BJP Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey concerning legendary leader and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. Dubey’s comments, suggesting that the former CM acted as a link between the US government, CIA, and Jawaharlal Nehru during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, drew sharp condemnation.
BJD leaders, including Naveen Patnaik, called the statements “outrageous” and demanded an apology, with protests stalling proceedings. The Odisha government itself termed the remarks “unacceptable” and “hurtful.” Dubey later clarified that he held Patnaik in high regard and that his comments targeted the Nehru-Gandhi family, not the former CM personally.
Opposition MLAs also raised issues of alleged irregularities in paddy procurement across the state. These protests and demonstrations led to multiple adjournments and significantly reduced productive time in the House. On the final day, despite the tensions, the Appropriation Bill was passed by voice vote, with some opposition members participating after earlier boycotts.
Chief Minister Majhi later criticised the opposition for the frequent washouts, urging them to engage in constructive debate on public issues rather than disruptions.
