Chaos in Odisha Assembly Over Tribal Quota and Liquor Tragedy

The Odisha Assembly session was disrupted as opposition BJD and Congress members protested against the BJP government over issues of tribal quota reservations and a recent liquor tragedy in Ganjam. While Congress accused the central government of being anti-tribal and anti-dalit, BJD demanded an inquiry into the spurious liquor incident.

The Odisha Assembly was adjourned twice on Wednesday as opposition BJD and Congress members disrupted proceedings over separate issues. The protests targeted the BJP government at both the state and central levels.

Congress members accused the BJP central government of being 'anti-tribal and anti-dalit' regarding quota reservations for scheduled tribes and castes. Meanwhile, BJD demanded a Revenue Divisional Commissioner-level inquiry into the Ganjam liquor tragedy that left one dead and 14 hospitalized.

Attempts by Speaker Surama Padhy to calm the situation failed, leading to an initial adjournment until 11.30 AM and a subsequent one till 4 PM. Outside the House, Congress leader Rama Chandra Kadam and BJD chief whip Pramila Mallik criticized the BJP's handling of various issues, while BJP MLA Manoranjan Dyan Samantray defended the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)