Odisha Assembly adjourned as BJD, Congress protest textbook errors and MMDR Act
Synopsis
Odisha's Monsoon Session descended into back-to-back pandemonium on Wednesday as BJD legislators demanded the School Minister's resignation over uncorrected textbook errors — with half-yearly exams just 15 days away — while Congress simultaneously pushed for the repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026. The ruling BJP accused both parties of choosing disruption over the debate they had themselves sought.
Key Takeaways
The Odisha Assembly was adjourned till 4 pm on 23 September 2026 on the second day of the Monsoon Session .
BJD demanded the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond over errors found in state school textbooks.
Corrected textbooks have not yet reached students, with half-yearly exams due within 15 days , according to BJD MLA Sarada Prasanna Jena .
Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam vowed to continue agitation until the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 is repealed.
The ruling BJP alleged that the Opposition was deliberately disrupting the House to avoid a formal debate that had already been accepted by the Speaker.
The Odisha Legislative Assembly was adjourned till 4 pm on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, as Opposition members from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Indian National Congress disrupted proceedings on the second day of the Monsoon Session, demanding action over errors in school textbooks and the repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.
How the Disruption Unfolded
The moment Question Hour commenced, Opposition legislators carrying banners and placards marched toward the Speaker's podium, raising anti-government slogans. Despite repeated appeals by Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi to restore order, the uproar persisted, compelling him to suspend the sitting.
This was the second consecutive day of similar scenes in the House, with both Opposition parties showing no signs of backing down from their respective demands.
BJD Demands Minister's Resignation Over Textbook Errors
The BJD renewed its call for the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, citing his failure to take moral responsibility for errors found in state school textbooks. BJD MLA Sarada Prasanna Jena pointed out the urgency of the matter, noting that half-yearly examinations are scheduled to begin within the next 15 days and that corrected books have yet to reach students.
'None in the government is taking the moral responsibility for the lapses. With the half-yearly examinations scheduled to begin in the next 15 days, the corrected textbooks are yet to be provided to students. Therefore, the S&ME Minister should immediately resign, as the BJP has always claimed to be a party based on ideology,' Jena said.
Congress Pushes for MMDR Amendment Act Repeal
Congress legislators maintained their separate but concurrent agitation, demanding the full repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 and a structured debate on the legislation within the Assembly. Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam made clear that the party intends to sustain pressure beyond the House floor.
'We will continue our fight until the MMDR Amendment Act is repealed. Whether it is in the Assembly, Parliament or on the streets, the Congress will continue to raise the issue,' Kadam said.
Ruling BJP Accuses Opposition of Political Theatre
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pushed back, alleging that the Opposition was orchestrating disruptions for political gain rather than genuine legislative concern. BJP MLA Manas Kumar Dutta alleged that the BJD itself had earlier submitted a motion requesting a debate in the House under established Assembly rules, which the Speaker had accepted — yet its members chose protest over participation.
Dutta contended that the government was fully prepared to engage in debate on all issues of state interest, but that BJD members were using the disruptions to amplify a parallel protest organised by the regional party in Bhubaneswar over the same textbook issue.
What Comes Next
With the textbook errors drawing attention just weeks before half-yearly exams, and the MMDR Amendment Act remaining a flashpoint over mineral rights, pressure on the Odisha government is unlikely to ease. The outcome of any debate — if eventually held — could shape the state's political narrative ahead of the next legislative milestone.
Point of View
However, has genuine urgency: half-yearly exams in 15 days with uncorrected books in circulation is an administrative failure that no party spin can fully deflect. The MMDR Amendment Act protest, meanwhile, signals a longer battle over mineral governance that will likely outlast this session.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Odisha Assembly adjourned on 23 September 2026?
The Odisha Assembly was adjourned till 4 pm on 23 September 2026 because Opposition members from the BJD and Congress disrupted proceedings during Question Hour with slogans and banner protests. Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi suspended the sitting after attempts to restore order failed.
What is the school textbook error controversy in Odisha?
Errors were found in school textbooks distributed to students in Odisha, prompting the BJD to demand the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond. The issue is considered urgent as half-yearly examinations are set to begin within 15 days and corrected books have not yet reached students.
What is the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, and why is Congress opposing it?
The MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, pertains to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) framework. Congress has demanded its repeal and a detailed discussion in the Assembly, with party leader Rama Chandra Kadam vowing to continue agitation in the House, in Parliament, and on the streets.
What is the BJP's position on the Opposition protests?
The ruling BJP alleged that the Opposition parties were deliberately disrupting the Assembly for political reasons rather than seeking genuine legislative debate. BJP MLA Manas Kumar Dutta stated that the government was ready to debate all issues and that the BJD had itself submitted a motion for debate that was accepted by the Speaker.
What happens next in the Odisha Assembly Monsoon Session?
The session is expected to continue, with the government signalling openness to a formal debate on both the textbook issue and the MMDR Amendment Act. However, whether the Opposition will shift from protest to participation remains uncertain, particularly given the parallel demonstrations being organised in Bhubaneswar.
