Bhubaneswar, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Odisha Legislative Assembly experienced significant chaos as opposition members from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress party engaged in a heated protest on the fourth day of the critical Budget Session regarding perceived mismanagement in paddy procurement and other farmer-related issues in the state.

As the assembly's proceedings commenced on Friday, BJD members approached the Speaker’s podium brandishing placards and banners while chanting anti-government slogans concerning farmers’ grievances.

Congress representatives, donning black badges and displaying placards, also vocalized their dissent against the government from within the assembly.

Speaker Surama Padhy attempted to restore order by urging members to return to their seats and proceed with the question hour, but the opposition remained unyielding.

This ongoing disruption compelled Speaker Padhy to adjourn the assembly until 11:30 a.m. after a brief session. However, upon reconvening, the BJD opposition resumed their protests, leading to another adjournment until noon. An all-party meeting was subsequently convened to resolve the impasse.

When the assembly reconvened at noon, the protests persisted, resulting in the assembly being adjourned until 4 p.m.

Senior BJD leader Gautam Buddha Das remarked that it is the ruling party's responsibility to ensure smooth functioning of the assembly.

He demanded the resignation of Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra due to the government's failure to facilitate the lifting of farmers’ paddy and for allegedly making misleading statements.

Das further stated that only 70% of the total paddy procurement target had been met.

Senior Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati indicated that his party has called for a discussion regarding the challenges faced by farmers and has presented an adjournment motion to address these issues in the assembly.

“We urge the Speaker to call for an all-party meeting to ensure the assembly functions effectively. Thousands of farmers across the state are eagerly awaiting the assembly's decisions on this matter and the minister’s accountability. Both the ruling BJP and major opposition BJD members appear disinterested in the assembly's smooth operation. It is the Speaker’s duty to restore order,” Bahinipati stated.

BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy criticized the opposition on Thursday for disrupting assembly proceedings, arguing that they lack substantial issues and should engage in productive discussions instead.

He labeled the disruption of the question hour as an “assault on the interests of Odisha and its citizens,” particularly regarding vital discussions on farmers’ welfare. He also challenged the opposition’s history concerning farmer-related issues, including past data on farmer suicides and announcements about paddy procurement bonuses.