Bhubaneswar, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Odisha Assembly is experiencing significant turmoil as members from the opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Indian National Congress (INC), have intensified their protests regarding the chaos at Mandis and the Epstein file matters.

As the Question Hour commenced at 10:30 am on Monday, BJD members surged into the Well of the House, brandishing posters and chanting anti-government slogans near the Speaker’s podium, alleging substantial mismanagement in paddy procurement at Mandis throughout the state.

They contended that the BJP-led state government has let down farmers, who are suffering significantly due to delays in paddy lifting and non-payment of Minimum Support Price (MSP). Additionally, Congress members were vocal in their demands for discussions regarding the Epstein files.

Congress members insisted on the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri due to his involvement in the Epstein files. They also took the opportunity to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with these files.

In contrast, BJP MLAs protested the opposition's criticisms aimed at PM Modi and Union Minister, asserting that they were not members of the assembly.

Speaker Surama Padhy made multiple appeals for opposition members to return to their seats and permit the assembly to proceed with its business. However, their protests persisted, leading to multiple adjournments.

Speaker Padhy convened an all-party meeting in an attempt to resolve the ongoing deadlock, which has been present since the budget session began on February 17.

Speaking to reporters outside the assembly, senior BJD leader Dibya Shankar Mishra expressed strong disapproval of the state government over the ongoing stalemate in the Odisha Assembly.

Mishra announced that the BJD plans to escalate its protests, organizing a significant demonstration in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday to spotlight farmers’ issues.

“It is disheartening to witness the current situation. In a democracy, governance should aim to benefit the most vulnerable, including farmers and marginalized communities. Regrettably, this government has misinterpreted the essence of welfare,” he remarked.

Mishra accused the government of disregarding the farming community, especially with rising costs of inputs.

He claimed that the promise of providing 100 units of free electricity to farmers has not been honored and pointed out that while there have been discussions about increasing the MSP, farmers are not reaping the benefits.

Further, he highlighted the significant rise in costs for seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs, yet proper support for farmers remains inadequate.

Mishra reiterated demands for loan waivers for farmers, the removal of procurement limits, and a guarantee for the procurement of surplus paddy.

“The cap of 150 quintals on procurement must be abolished. What will happen to the surplus paddy held by farmers? The government needs to ensure all produce is purchased,” he stated.