The Odisha State Legislative Assembly witnessed a day of heated confrontations and banner wars on Wednesday, as the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed outside the assembly premises. The commotion escalated after the House was adjourned due to intense verbal exchanges during the question hour.
Banner War Unfolds: Following the adjournment, members of both the BJD and BJP gathered at separate locations within the Assembly premises, engaging in protests and displaying banners against each other. The atmosphere became charged as slogans were exchanged, and both parties accused each other of misconduct and misinformation.
BJD’s Accusations Against Dharmendra Pradhan: Under the Mahatma Gandhi statue, BJD legislators raised slogans against veteran BJP leader and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They accused Pradhan of spreading lies in connection with the Pari murder case, which saw a resolution on Tuesday with the court punishing the real accused. The BJD demanded an apology from Pradhan and BJP leader Mohan Chandra Majhi for organizing protests accusing a BJD leader of involvement in the crime.
BJP’s Counter-Protest: Simultaneously, BJP lawmakers staged a protest at the entrance of the Assembly, alleging the misutilization of rice and funds collected from the public during the inauguration of Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa at Lord Jagannath temple in Puri. Inside the Assembly, BJP MLAs created a ruckus, highlighting the issue of misappropriation.
BJP’s Accusation of Misuse of Funds: Inside the Assembly, BJP members rushed to the well of the House, drawing attention to the alleged misuse of rice and funds collected during the inauguration of Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa. The party accused BJD leaders of misutilizing public resources, leading to disruptions in the proceedings.
The day’s events marked a new low in the ongoing political tensions between the BJD and BJP in Odisha, resulting in repeated adjournments and disruptions within the State Legislative Assembly.
