Odisha Assembly Reconvenes Today; Odia Asmita Vs Polavaram, Kalinga Prize Duel On Cards

Bhubaneswar: The second half of the Budget Session of the Odisha Assembly, starting Tuesday, is likely to be equally stormy as the Opposition is expected to sharpen its attack in the wake of its boycott of the orientation programme for MLAs.

The last session witnessed uproarious scenes over demand for action against Governor Raghubar Das’s son for allegedly assaulting a government official, Polavaram dam project and “neglect” towards Odisha in the Union Budget. This time too, the BJD and Congress are planning to corner the Mohan Majhi government over several issues, including the confusion over Subhadra Yojana, Polavaram project and Union Ministry of Science and Technology’s alleged decision to withdraw support to the prestigious UNESCO Kalinga Prize for Popularisation of Science instituted through a donation by Odisha’s former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik way back in 1951.

Polavaram Dam Project

Delegations of both BJD and Congress visited ground zero to assess the potential impact of the Andhra Pradesh-based project on local villages in Odisha. The BJD’s fact finding team expressed grave concern over its impact on Malkangiri district, stating that around 200 villages in Motu and Padia blocks of Malkangiri district will be submerged and more than 6,000 people, mostly tribals, affected due to the project. It also alleged that no survey was conducted to assess the potential damage to livestock, agricultural produce, government institutions, public infrastructure and environment.

The BJD president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier criticised the Centre for making provision of more funds in this year’s Union budget for the project without resolving the grievances of Odisha.

The Congress leaders too expressed alarm that despite the severe impact expected on Motu tehsil, no official assessment has been made regarding the extent of crop lands that will be affected. They demanded compensation of Rs 30 lakh per acre for the affected landowners and called for the immediate rehabilitation of those who will be displaced. Additionally, the delegation urged the reduction of the Polavaram Dam’s height to minimise damage.

With the impact reports in hand, the Opposition parties are likely to vociferously attack the ‘double engine’ BJP government for compromising the interests of Odisha on the Polavaram dam project.

Subhadra Yojana & Name Change Game

The much-touted Subhadra Yojana may also take centre stage of the debate in the Assembly amid the government’s indecision in finalising the SOP of the scheme and frequently changing statements of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on the issue. While the government had announced to cover all women under the scheme in its election manifesto, it is now seeking feedback from the collectors to finalise the SOP, the BJD has alleged.

The Naveen Patnaik-led party had also criticised the Majhi government for rebranding several flagship schemes launched by the previous BJD government while also accusing it of attempts to erase the legacy of Biju Patnaik by changing the names of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) to Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, ‘Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana’ to ‘Antyodaya Gruha Yojana’ and ‘Biju Setu Yojana’ to ‘Setu Bandhan Yojana’.

Potato Crisis

The House is likely to witness pandemonium over the government’s failure to streamline supply of the essential tuber, leading to price rise. The crisis erupted after the West Bengal government stopped the supply of potatoes in mid-July to other states to stabilise the price of the tuber in the state. The Mohan Majhi government has failed to convince the neighbouring state to open up supplies despite two rounds of talks between the CMs. Its effort to procure potatoes from Uttar Pradesh and Punjab has failed to provide the desired results.

Unkept Promises

The Opposition parties are also likely raise the alleged failure of the government to keep its promise to increase old age pension. The BJD has already launched a public awareness campaign over the issue since August 15.

The election manifesto of the BJP included launch of Mukhyamantri Sahayata Yojana to provide pension of Rs 3,000 per month to all elderly, divyang, widows and destitute in the state. Besides, a pension of Rs 3,500 per month was to be provided to elderly people above 80 years and divyangs with 80 per cent disability. However, provision of Rs 3,500 per month has been made only for senior citizens aged over 80 years and persons with 80 per cent or more disability in the 2024-25 budget.

Withdrawal Of Support To Kalinga Prize

Former CM Naveen Patnaik has urged the Centre to continue UNESCO Kalinga Prize, highlighting its significance and Odia pride. The BJD is likely to attack BJP government for reneging on its own ‘Odia Asmita’ poll plank by compromising the honour of Odia identity and pride associated with it.

The ruling BJP, on the other hand, is likely to put up a strong counter, having opened all gates of the Shree Jagannath temple at Puri and increased the MSP on paddy to Rs 3,100 per quintal.

The second phase of Budget Session of Odisha Assembly will run till September 13.