Suspended Congress MLAs Stage Overnight Protest in Odisha Assembly

The Odisha assembly saw a dramatic protest by 12 suspended Congress MLAs, who refused to leave the House's Well. They demanded an inquiry committee on crimes against women during BJP's rule. Despite being suspended for 'indiscipline,' they continued their demonstration, causing repeated adjournments.

Tensions flared in the Odisha assembly as 12 Congress MLAs, suspended for 'indiscipline,' staged a protest demanding a committee to investigate crimes against women under the BJP's rule. Refusing to vacate the Well, the legislators, including Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam, stayed put overnight, demanding action.

Speaker Surama Padhy announced the suspension of the MLAs, sparking an uproar with Congress members using whistles, flutes, and slogans to voice their dissent. The assembly's proceedings were disrupted multiple times, despite interventions and calls for resolution from senior leaders.

Outside, criticism of the suspension grew, with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das defending the protest actions as a wake-up call for a government silent on women's safety. The MLAs reaffirmed their commitment to demanding a committee to address the pressing issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)