Why is the Odisha Assembly Stalled Amid BJD's Protests Against PRI Power Reduction?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The ongoing chaos in the Odisha Assembly reflects mounting tensions as the BJD protests against perceived government attempts to limit the powers of elected officials in the Panchayati Raj system. This situation raises crucial questions about democratic governance and local authority in Odisha.
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha Assembly is currently in a deadlock due to protests.
- The BJD is opposing government actions perceived as limiting elected representatives' powers.
- Speaker Surama Padhy attempted to maintain order despite the uproar.
- The BJD is demanding restoration of authority to local elected officials.
- Congress has joined the protest by criticizing both major parties.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 (NationPress) The impasse in the Odisha Assembly entered its fourth day during the monsoon session on Monday, driven by a significant uproar from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) regarding the supposed efforts by the government to diminish the authority of elected officials within the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
As the session commenced, BJD legislators surged into the well of the House, conducting a vociferous protest while chanting anti-government slogans near the Speaker’s podium.
Meanwhile, Congress MLAs remained seated in silent protest, brandishing placards that depicted the opposition BJD and the ruling BJP as allies obstructing the House proceedings.
Despite the chaos, Speaker Surama Padhy endeavored to manage the Question Hour. The Law Minister was visible addressing inquiries from certain ruling party MLAs, yet the BJD's protests persisted vigorously.
The Speaker urged the protesting legislators to uphold discipline and assist in maintaining the order of proceedings.
Amidst the clamor from BJD and a placard demonstration by Congress, the Question Hour was briefly sustained for about seven minutes until the disruption compelled the Speaker to adjourn the House until 4 p.m.
Speaking to reporters, BJD chief whip Pramila Mallik stated, “The Panchayati Raj system is being dismantled. Since the BJP-led government took charge, it has firstly halted several ongoing projects in the blocks. Subsequently, it has devised various plots to undermine the Panchayati Raj system. Through numerous circulars, the government now plans to revoke all powers held by elected representatives under the Panchayati Raj framework.”
She further insisted that the state government must promptly restore power to elected representatives, ensuring the decentralization that they previously enjoyed.
She criticized the state administration for transferring the powers of grassroots elected officials to bureaucrats, such as the Block Development Officer.
Notably, the BJD had previously declared plans to stage a gherao of the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday. Conversely, Congress CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam accused both the ruling BJP and the primary opposition BJD of colluding to obstruct discussions regarding a no-confidence motion presented by Congress in the House through disorder.
Point of View
I observe the ongoing situation in Odisha as a critical moment for democratic governance. The protests from BJD reflect genuine concerns about the authority of local representatives, while the government's actions warrant scrutiny. Balancing power dynamics is essential for a healthy democracy, and both sides must engage constructively for the benefit of the citizens.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the protests in the Odisha Assembly?
The protests were ignited by allegations that the government is attempting to reduce the powers of elected representatives in the Panchayati Raj system.
Who is leading the protests?
The protests are being led by the BJD, under the leadership of chief whip Pramila Mallik.
What are the demands of the BJD?
The BJD demands the immediate restoration of powers to elected representatives, which they believe have been unjustly revoked.
How has the Congress party responded?
The Congress party has staged a silent protest, accusing both the BJD and the BJP of collusion to obstruct legislative discussions.
What does this situation mean for local governance?
This situation raises significant concerns about the future of local governance and the empowerment of elected officials within the Panchayati Raj framework.
