Why is the Odisha Assembly in Turmoil Over Fertiliser Shortages?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Assembly in chaos over fertiliser crisis.
- BJD protests government’s handling and black marketing.
- Chief Minister expresses condolences for George Tirkey.
- Proceedings adjourned due to ongoing disruptions.
- BJP claims to be the only party supporting farmers.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (NationPress) The Odisha Assembly has been engulfed in chaos for the third consecutive day during the Monsoon Session. Members of the opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), vociferously protested against the government regarding the acute fertiliser shortage and alleged instances of black marketing occurring within the state.
The session commenced with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presenting a condolence motion for the late former Biramitrapur MLA George Tirkey, who passed away on Saturday morning. This motion received support from Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya and Congress CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam.
However, as soon as the Question Hour began, BJD members, armed with placards and banners, surged into the well of the House, chanting slogans near the podium of Speaker Surama Padhy. Despite the Speaker's requests for calm and order, the disruption continued.
The ongoing uproar forced Padhy to suspend the session until 4 p.m. The BJD has accused the state government of failing to supply adequate fertiliser to farmers, who are resorting to purchasing it from the open market at exorbitant rates.
The party held the government accountable for the black marketing of fertiliser in Odisha and called for a discussion on the matter, demanding the suspension of all regular House activities.
On a related note, BJP leader Irasis Acharya criticized the BJD and Congress, claiming they are indifferent to Odisha's development and are evading a debate on the issue, fearing exposure. He stated that the BJP remains the only party genuinely dedicated to supporting farmers in the state.
It is noteworthy that the assembly's proceedings were also disrupted on the previous day due to similar uproar concerning the fertiliser crisis.