Odisha Assembly Speaker Addresses Disorder Following Suspension of 12 Congress MLAs
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Synopsis
On March 26, Speaker Surama Padhy condemned the unruly behavior of opposition parties in the Odisha Assembly, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining order. Following the suspension of 12 Congress MLAs, protests escalated, disrupting Assembly functions and leading to further confrontations.
Key Takeaways
- Speaker Padhy criticized the disorderly conduct of opposition members.
- 12 Congress MLAs were suspended due to ongoing disruptions.
- Opposition protests included wearing black attire and using noise-making devices.
- The Assembly functioned for significantly less time than scheduled.
- Security measures were heightened following violent confrontations.
Bhubaneswar, March 26 (NationPress) Odisha Assembly Speaker, Surama Padhy, on Wednesday, criticized the disorderly conduct exhibited by opposition parties within the Assembly, highlighting the importance of upholding order and decorum in the legislative proceedings.
While discussing the extraordinary turmoil that erupted both inside and outside the Assembly following the suspension of 12 Congress legislators on Tuesday, Speaker Padhy remarked that opposition members engaged in various protest actions, including the use of placards, posters, and banners during the second phase of the Assembly session beginning March 7.
Starting March 20, the protesting Opposition MLAs escalated their actions by donning black badges and clothing, using whistles, and causing disruptions with horns and flutes, which significantly hindered the Assembly's operations.
Out of the 12 scheduled working days, the Question Hour was effectively conducted on only two occasions.
By March 25, the Assembly managed to function for just 39 hours and 2 minutes instead of the expected timeframe.
Speaker Padhy noted that all-party meetings were held on March 10, 13, 24, and 25 in an attempt to break the deadlock.
Despite these discussions, the unruly behaviour from the Opposition persisted.
On March 21, Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi issued a directive advising members to avoid disruptive behaviours.
However, the interruptions continued, leading to the suspension of 12 Congress MLAs on Tuesday.
Moreover, Speaker Padhy reported that even after their suspension, the MLAs refused to vacate the House, declaring their intention to conduct a sit-in protest throughout Wednesday night.
In response, the Assembly Secretariat was ordered to ensure adequate security and make necessary arrangements.
Speaker Padhy asserted that around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Congress MLAs, along with certain political affiliates, assaulted Marshals and security staff in the Assembly corridor, injuring multiple personnel who are now receiving medical care.
Subsequently, around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, some Congress MLAs were escorted out of the Assembly via the Marshal Gate, while others exited respectfully.
Conversely, the primary opposition party, Biju Janata Dal, on Wednesday characterized the Speaker's statement as incomplete and biased.
"We have called upon the Speaker to provide a comprehensive account of the regrettable events that transpired in the House yesterday. Although the Speaker made a statement today, we believe it contained only half-truths. It was incomplete and showed bias. The statement lacked details surrounding the entire incident. We have also brought this to the Speaker's attention," stated senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya.
