Why Did Odisha Speaker Reject Congress No-Confidence Motion?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, the Odisha Assembly Speaker, Surama Padhy, has dismissed a no-confidence motion brought forth by the Congress party. With the political tension escalating, Congress MLAs staged a walkout and protested outside the House. This article delves into the implications of this decision and the reactions from both parties.
Key Takeaways
- The Speaker dismissed the no-confidence motion due to procedural disruptions.
- Congress MLAs protested and claimed unfair treatment.
- BJD leaders accused the Congress of attempting to tarnish their reputation.
- The assembly continued its legislative business amidst the controversy.
- Political tensions in Odisha are currently high.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 (NationPress) - The Speaker of the Odisha Assembly, Surama Padhy, on Monday dismissed the no-confidence motion proposed by the opposition Congress party against the state government.
When the House convened at 4 p.m. that day, Congress CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam urged Padhy to accept the no-confidence motion submitted by the party.
In response, the Speaker informed the assembly that on September 18, the Congress Legislature Party leader, along with 14 other MLAs, had filed a no-confidence notice with the assembly secretary.
Padhy had subsequently instructed that the notice be presented in the House the next day, September 19.
However, the motion could not be discussed as the assembly was out of order. She further explained that due to ongoing disruptions, the time allocated for the no-confidence motion had expired.
In reaction, Congress legislators rushed to the well of the house, chanting slogans near Speaker Padhy’s podium.
They ultimately walked out of the House in protest against the rejection of their motion.
Following this, the Congress MLAs staged a demonstration under the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the assembly grounds.
Speaking with reporters, Kadam stated, “We followed all parliamentary protocols in submitting the motion. Yet, the Speaker unjustly and intentionally dismissed it.”
He accused the BJP-led state government of orchestrating the motion's rejection through the Speaker.
Kadam further alleged that both the ruling BJP and BJD conspired to disrupt the House and silence the Congress party’s voice.
In contrast, BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik previously criticized the Congress for attempting to move the no-confidence motion with only 14 MLAs present.
She claimed that the Congress acted without consulting the main opposition, BJD, to tarnish her party's image.
According to her, the Congress lacks a solid voter base and resorts to such tactics to regain public attention.
Meanwhile, the House proceeded with its agenda as members of BJD and BJP remained present.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj introduced the Odisha University (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was then taken up for discussion.
Point of View
The dismissal of the no-confidence motion by the Odisha Assembly Speaker highlights the ongoing tensions within state politics. The Congress party's claims of procedural unfairness raise questions about the democratic processes in play. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to monitor how these developments affect the broader political landscape in India.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the rejection of the no-confidence motion in Odisha?
The Odisha Assembly Speaker, Surama Padhy, cited continuous disruptions in the House as the reason for rejecting the no-confidence motion submitted by the Congress party.
What was the Congress party's reaction to the Speaker's decision?
The Congress party reacted strongly, staging a walkout and protesting against the Speaker's rejection, claiming it was unjust and politically motivated.
How many MLAs supported the no-confidence motion?
The no-confidence motion was supported by 14 MLAs from the Congress party.
What was the response from the ruling party, BJD?
BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik criticized the Congress for moving forward with the motion without adequate support and accused them of trying to damage the reputation of her party.
What other legislative business occurred in the assembly?
Despite the commotion, the assembly continued with its business, including the introduction of the Odisha University (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
