Bhubaneswar, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Odisha Assembly on Wednesday erupted in a significant uproar from members of both the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress regarding the purported mismanagement of paddy procurement throughout the state.

As the session began, BJD members, brandishing banners, approached Speaker Surama Padhy’s podium, voicing anti-government slogans concerning the “disorder” at mandis statewide.

In a distinctive protest, several BJD legislators set paddy and bags on the reporters’ table within the House. Congress members similarly raised anti-government slogans in regard to the farmers' plight.

This uproar from opposition members compelled Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy to suspend the House proceedings until 11:30 a.m., and subsequently, until 4 p.m.

Addressing the media, BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik stated that the party had repeatedly urged the state government and even met with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the agriculture minister to highlight farmers’ distress, including the lack of paddy collection and the ongoing practice of 'katni-chhatni' during procurement under various justifications. She further claimed that farmers grew more paddy this year, encouraged by the government’s assurance of Rs 3,100 per quintal, inclusive of an Rs 800 input subsidy.

Targeting the state government, Mallik stated that farmers are currently suffering due to the imposition of a cap of 150 quintals of paddy per farmer for the allocation of the Rs 800 per quintal input subsidy, beyond the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,300 per quintal.

She emphasized that, contrary to the government’s commitments, illegal deductions of paddy (katni-chhatni) of up to 10 kg per quintal by millers during procurement have been rampant at mandis statewide. Farmers are compelled to sell their paddy at significantly lower prices in the market through intermediaries.

The senior BJD leader also accused the Chief Minister and the Agriculture and Food Supplies Ministers of inconsistency in their statements regarding the matter. She remarked that until the government announces a definitive timeline for the collection of all farmers’ paddy, the BJD will persist with its protests.

Congress leaders echoed these concerns, contending that the state government, in collusion with rice millers, is coercing farmers into distress selling of paddy.

In response, ruling party leaders criticized both BJD and Congress, asserting that opposition members are intentionally obstructing House proceedings to hinder discussions about Odisha's development.