Uproar in Odisha Assembly Over Caste Census Demand

The Odisha assembly witnessed chaos as MLAs from BJD and Congress demanded a caste census and proportionate reservations in technical and medical institutions. The protests led to multiple adjournments, with attempts to climb the speaker's podium being thwarted by security. An all-party meeting was later convened.

Chaos gripped the Odisha assembly on Tuesday as MLAs from the opposition BJD and Congress staged protests for a caste census in the state. Their demonstrations led to several adjournments in the proceedings.

Upon convening at 10.30 am, the House was immediately disrupted by BJD and Congress members who rushed to the Well, chanting slogans for a caste census and demanding proportional reservations in technical and medical institutes.

Tensions peaked when Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati and BJD member Adhiraj Panigrahi, along with other legislators, attempted to climb the speaker's podium seeking a ruling from the chair. Security intervened to prevent their advance, forcing Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the House multiple times. To resolve the deadlock, an all-party meeting was called later in the day.

(With inputs from agencies.)