Odisha Assembly Turmoil: Political Ruckus and Suspensions Fuel Discontent

The suspension of 14 Congress MLAs, including two additional members, from the Odisha Assembly led to intense discord and criticism from BJD. Protests, walkouts, and accusations of authoritarianism marked the session, with demands for an inquiry into crimes against women exacerbating tensions. Speaker Surama Padhy justified the suspensions amid accusations of bias.

The Odisha Assembly witnessed a turbulent session following the suspension of 14 Congress MLAs, as protests and walkouts dominated proceedings. The remaining Congress legislators, Taraprasad Bahinipati and Ramesh Jena, were also suspended due to disruptive behavior while advocating for a House Committee to investigate the alleged rise in crime against women.

Members of the BJD staged multiple walkouts, criticizing the assembly's handling of events and accusing the ruling BJP of political intolerance. Tensions escalated as the Speaker, Surama Padhy, defended her actions, citing the Congress's disruptive activities during the session, including protests and obstruction of proceedings.

The assembly's inability to function led to major disruptions, with calls for all-party meetings to restore order. Despite appeals and discussions, the impasse continued as opposition parties decried the suspensions, viewing them as politically motivated. The ongoing discord threatens to overshadow legislative priorities and efforts to address pressing issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)