What Led to the Odisha Assembly's Adjournment Amid BJD Protests Over Fertiliser Shortage?
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Synopsis
The Odisha Assembly has been thrown into chaos during its monsoon session due to escalating protests by BJD members regarding a critical fertiliser shortage in the state. With accusations of black marketing and government negligence mounting, the assembly faced multiple adjournments. Will the government's response resolve the crisis?
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Assembly experiences disruptions over fertiliser shortages.
- BJD members demand discussion on the fertiliser crisis.
- Allegations of black marketing are causing political unrest.
- Government claims adequate supplies are available.
- Farmers are struggling to access fertilisers at reasonable prices.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (NationPress) The Odisha Assembly faced significant disruptions on the third day of its monsoon session as the issue of fertiliser shortages and black marketing took center stage, leading to consecutive adjournments. As the question hour began post a condolence motion, members of the BJD, brandishing placards and banners, surged into the well and initiated loud slogans near the podium of Speaker Surama Padhy.
Despite the Speaker's pleas for the opposition members to return to their seats and allow the House to proceed, chaos ensued. The ongoing turmoil forced Speaker Padhy to suspend the session until 4 p.m.
When the assembly reconvened, BJD MLAs once again flooded the well, vocally condemning the government for the fertiliser crisis, black marketing, and policies perceived as harmful to farmers.
Speaker Padhy called for discipline, but the uproar persisted, ultimately leading to the adjournment of the House until Monday at 10:30 a.m.
The BJD's primary demand is a thorough discussion regarding the fertiliser shortage by halting all regular proceedings.
The party asserts that the state government has not adequately supplied fertiliser to farmers, compelling them to buy it at inflated prices from the open market.
Additionally, the BJD blames the state government for the fertiliser black market in Odisha.
On Saturday evening, a BJD delegation approached the Odisha Governor to discuss the ongoing fertiliser crisis.
Senior BJD leader and Deputy Leader of Opposition, Prasanna Acharya, told reporters that despite government claims of sufficient fertiliser availability, farmers across Odisha are experiencing severe shortages.
“If fertilisers are genuinely in stock, why are farmers waiting in lines at cooperative societies without receiving a single bag?” he challenged.
He mentioned that the delegation requested the Governor to intervene and ensure the timely provision of fertilisers to farmers.
The Governor reportedly assured Acharya that he is taking the matter seriously and will prompt the state government to act swiftly.
It is noteworthy that on the previous day, the assembly was similarly disrupted, with only minimal business conducted due to the uproar regarding fertiliser scarcity and black marketing.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the ongoing challenges faced by farmers in Odisha concerning fertiliser shortages. The unrest in the assembly reflects not only political tensions but also the pressing agricultural issues that require immediate attention from the government. The situation demands a measured and effective response to support the agricultural community and restore confidence in governance.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Odisha Assembly to be adjourned?
The Odisha Assembly was adjourned due to protests by BJD members over a significant fertiliser shortage and allegations of black marketing within the state.
What are BJD's main demands regarding the fertiliser crisis?
BJD is demanding a comprehensive discussion on the fertiliser crisis and has called for the suspension of regular House proceedings to address the issue.
How has the government responded to the fertiliser shortage claims?
The government claims that adequate fertiliser stocks are available, but farmers have reported significant difficulties in accessing it.
Who did the BJD delegation meet regarding the fertiliser crisis?
The BJD delegation met with the Odisha Governor to discuss the ongoing fertiliser crisis and sought intervention to ensure timely availability for farmers.
What accusations has the BJD made against the state government?
The BJD has accused the state government of failing to provide sufficient fertiliser and allowing black marketing to thrive.
