Chaos in Odisha Assembly: 14 Congress MLAs Suspended Over Protests

The Odisha Assembly witnessed turmoil as all 14 Congress MLAs were suspended for seven days over 'indiscipline'. The suspension followed protests, including gong-beating, against previous suspensions and demands for inquiries into crimes against women. A walkout by BJD members further complicated the assembly proceedings.

The Odisha Assembly devolved into chaos, leading to the suspension of all 14 Congress MLAs for seven consecutive working days. The tumult ensued after two of the MLAs, spared from suspension the previous day, protested vocally against earlier disciplinary actions by beating gongs.

The protests centered around the demand for a House Committee to investigate rising crimes against women. These actions prompted the government's chief whip to propose a suspension motion, which passed through a voice vote, further escalating tensions within the Assembly.

Despite a subsequent walkout by BJD members and demands for a statement regarding alleged mistreatment of Congress MLAs staging overnight protests, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House repeatedly, trying in vain to restore order. A consensus remains elusive as calls for clarity on reservations and other pressing issues continue to challenge the Assembly's functionality.

(With inputs from agencies.)