Chaos in Odisha Assembly: Clamor Over Women's Safety and Educational Reservations

The Odisha Assembly session was disrupted by opposition BJD and Congress, raising separate demands. Congress demanded a House Committee for crimes against women, while BJD pushed for educational reservations. Despite multiple adjournments, tensions persisted, culminating in a walkout by Congress and press conferences blaming the discord on opposing parties.

The Odisha Assembly on Monday was fraught with chaos as opposition parties BJD and Congress stirred disorder over separate issues, leading Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn proceedings repeatedly.

The turmoil began following an obituary for MLA Debendra Sharma, with Congress advocating for a House Committee to investigate women's safety issues, and BJD seeking educational reservations for ST, SC, and OBC students.

Despite adjournments and a subsequent walkout by Congress, discussions proceeded on the Commerce and Transport Department's budget. The discord extended beyond the assembly as ministers blamed Congress for the unrest, which Congress countered by demanding an inquiry committee.

(With inputs from agencies.)