Bhubaneswar: The monsoon session of Odisha Assembly began on a stormy note on Tuesday as the House witnessed uproarious scenes after Opposition members created a ruckus over MMDR amendment.
As soon as the question hour commenced on the opening day of the session, the opposition legislators created uproar amid slogan-shouting, prompting the Speaker to adjourned the proceedings till 1:10 pm.
Members belonging to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress created a ruckus over issues such as the MMDR Amendment Bill and the correction of errors in textbooks.
The Opposition members raised slogans and demanded withdrawal of the recent amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, arguing that the move could affect Odisha’s mineral rights and revenue.
Speaker Surama Padhy repeatedly appealed to the protesting members to maintain decorum and allow the House to function smoothly. However, as the disruption and slogan-shouting continued, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings till 1:10 PM.
Earlier, after the House assembled for the day, obituary references were moved for departed leaders and those who lost their lives in the floods in Nepal. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi moved condolence motions for former ministers Damburudhar Majhi, Sushant Singh, former Government Chief Whip Satya Bhusan Sahu, Ramamurthy Gamango, Haji Mohammed Ayub Khan and Sibaji Majhi. The motion was supported by the Opposition. All members stood in silence and prayed for the peace of the departed souls.
The Monsoon Session will continue till October 3, with nine working days scheduled. As many as six bills are likely to be introduced during the session.
The short session is expected to witness heated exchanges between the government and the Opposition over several issues. Apart from the MMDR amendment, Opposition parties have planned to raise the issue of alleged errors in school textbooks and other matters concerning the state government.
The BJD has reportedly submitted a notice seeking a motion and discussion on the MMDR-related issue. The Opposition is also planning programmes outside the Assembly to put pressure on the government during the session.
Meanwhile, the state government has said it is prepared to face the issues likely to be raised by the Opposition and respond to the concerns during the session.