Bhubaneswar, Sep 16 (NationPress) An all-party meeting took place prior to the much-anticipated Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly, set to begin on September 18. During this meeting, the Opposition parties committed to ensuring the Assembly operates smoothly.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, senior BJD leader and party chief whip in the Assembly, Pramila Mallik, and Congress CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam were among those present.

Speaker Padhy called for active and constructive engagement from all members throughout the session.

“All parties have pledged their cooperation in line with legislative norms. We look forward to substantial discussions on public issues that could make a significant impact on the citizens of Odisha,” she stated.

Padhy emphasized the need for legislators to maintain decorum and discipline, adding, “I anticipate all MLAs to express their opinions thoughtfully, uphold the decorum of the House, and positively contribute to the proceedings.”

The session is expected to begin with obituary references on September 18. On September 19, the House will delve into Private Members’ Bills, and from September 20 to 25, five days are earmarked for official business.

In a statement to the media, BJD leader Mallik confirmed that the party will fully support the functioning of the House as dictated by constitutional provisions.

She also clarified that the Opposition BJD intends to raise critical issues affecting the populace, including those concerning farmers, women, and SCs/STs.

Meanwhile, the Opposition is prepared to engage with the state government in the Assembly, focusing on challenges such as the ongoing fertilizer crisis impacting farmers and the increasing instances of atrocities against women.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahaling asserted that the state government is thoroughly ready to discuss any concerns raised by the Opposition, particularly related to farmers, teachers, students, and women.

He also noted that the BJP plans to spotlight the BJD’s 24-year tenure, the previous Congress government's performance, and the achievements of the BJP-led government over the past 15 months.

Future initiatives aimed at public welfare will also be highlighted during this session.

Responding to Congress’ threats of introducing a no-confidence motion against the BJP government with BJD’s backing, Mahaling firmly dismissed the possibility. He stated that Congress lacks the necessary numbers in the Assembly to mount such a challenge.

“The people of Odisha have provided a clear mandate to the BJP. Furthermore, the BJD and Congress operate from fundamentally different ideologies, making such an alliance unrealistic,” he concluded.