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Odisha Assembly Adjourns Early Amid Opposition Protests Over Tragic Fire

The Odisha Legislative Assembly adjourned sine die, concluding its budget session five working days ahead of schedule. The session, which saw the passage of a Rs 3.10 lakh crore appropriation bill, was marred by persistent opposition protests. These protests centered on a tragic fire at SCB Medical College in Cuttack and alleged disrespectful remarks made about former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. The opposition also stalled proceedings over issues like paddy procurement irregularities.

Key Points: Odisha Assembly Budget Session Ends Early Amid Protests

  • Session ended 5 working days early
  • Rs 3.10 lakh crore appropriation bill passed
  • Protests over Cuttack hospital fire tragedy
  • Uproar over remarks against Biju Patnaik
  • Two official bills passed in session
2 min read

Odisha Assembly adjourned sine die, five working days ahead of schedule

Odisha Assembly adjourns sine die 5 days early after a turbulent session marked by protests over a hospital fire and controversial remarks.

"The session ended on Tuesday late at night after functioning for 22 working days. - Report"

Bhubaneswar, April 1

The Odisha Legislative Assembly was adjourned and declared sine die, bringing the ongoing budget session to an end, five working days ahead of its scheduled conclusion.

The sixth session of the 17th Odisha Assembly, which commenced on February 17, was to conclude on April 8. The session, conducted in two phases, was scheduled to have 28 working days.

But the session ended on Tuesday late at night after functioning for 22 working days.

The House debated five adjournment motions tabled by the opposition leaders during the session. As many as two official bills were passed in this session. In a significant development, the controversial legislation enhancing the salaries and allowances, passed in the previous session, was also formally withdrawn on Tuesday.

On the last day of the session, the House passed the appropriation bill, allowing the government to withdraw and spend Rs 3.10 lakh crore from the consolidated fund of the state for 2026-27. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio, had earlier presented Rs 3.10 lakh crore annual budget for 2026-27 during the first phase of the session on February 20.

The Budget Session was marked by persistent uproars by the members of the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress party over the tragic fire accident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on March 16, which claimed the lives of 12 patients.

The House also witnessed a massive ruckus by BJD and Congress MLAs over the alleged "disrespectful remarks" made by BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey against legendary leader and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. The alleged "irregularities" in paddy procurement across Odisha were also raised by the opposition.

The opposition protests and demonstrations over different matters stalled the proceedings of the House for several days.

The BJD and the Congress party also persisted with their demand for the resignation of the Health Minister over the fire tragedy at SCB Medical College.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While the opposition has a right to protest, especially on serious issues like the Cuttack hospital fire, stalling the house for days on end hurts the state. Important work gets delayed. A balance must be found.
S
Suresh O
Good that the controversial salary hike bill was withdrawn. That was a welcome move by the government. But only two official bills passed in the entire session? That's very low productivity for the taxpayer's money spent on running the assembly.
A
Anjali F
The focus should be on the budget of Rs 3.10 lakh crore that was passed. I hope this massive amount is used properly for development, healthcare, and farmers' issues like paddy procurement. That is what matters to common people like us.
M
Michael C
Watching from outside, it seems the political drama overshadows real issues. The hospital fire tragedy is a serious governance failure that needs solutions, not just slogans and demands for resignations. Hope the next session is more constructive.
K
Karthik V
Respect for legends like Biju Patnaik is important, but MLAs should not let that disrupt the entire state's business. Work must go on. The early adjournment sets a bad precedent. What about the pending discussions on so many other issues?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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