Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly witnessed unprecedented chaos on Thursday as opposition parties staged protests over two contentious issues: rising crimes against women and restrictions on media coverage during Question Hour. The proceedings were repeatedly disrupted, leading to multiple adjournments and heated exchanges between legislators. 
The turmoil began shortly after the House paid tribute to former MLA Debaraj Seth, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Rama Chandra Kadam were among those who honored the late legislator. However, the solemn atmosphere quickly gave way to pandemonium as Congress MLAs, wearing black badges, stormed the well of the House, brandishing placards and blowing whistles to protest the alleged surge in crimes against women since the BJP came to power last year.
The turmoil began shortly after the House paid tribute to former MLA Debaraj Seth, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Rama Chandra Kadam were among those who honored the late legislator. However, the solemn atmosphere quickly gave way to pandemonium as Congress MLAs, wearing black badges, stormed the well of the House, brandishing placards and blowing whistles to protest the alleged surge in crimes against women since the BJP came to power last year.
Congress Demands Accountability on Women's Safety
The Congress legislators demanded an immediate statement from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the issue, accusing the government of failing to ensure the safety of women in the state. CLP leader Kadam declared that the party would continue its agitation until a House Committee was formed to investigate all crimes against women reported during the BJP's eight-month tenure."The BJP government has turned a blind eye to the plight of women in Odisha. The rising number of crimes against women is a direct result of their negligence and inaction. We will not rest until justice is served," Kadam asserted.Unable to restore order, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House till noon. When the session resumed, Congress members once again raised the issue and staged a walkout after the Speaker allowed a discussion on the poor condition of state-run hostels for tribal and Dalit students.
BJD Protests Media Restrictions
The afternoon session saw the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) taking center stage, as its members protested against the government's decision to restrict videography and photography by journalists during Question Hour. BJD deputy leader Prasanna Acharya led the charge, questioning why media personnel were barred from recording proceedings."Journalists should be given a free hand to report on the Assembly. This is not an Emergency-like situation where the government can suppress the media," Acharya said.
He emphasized that the live telecast of Question Hour is a long-standing practice and accused the BJP of attempting to control the narrative by limiting media access.
The BJD members created a ruckus, demanding a ruling from the chair. Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to the Speaker, but the protests continued, forcing another adjournment.
The BJD members created a ruckus, demanding a ruling from the chair. Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to the Speaker, but the protests continued, forcing another adjournment.
Opposition Slams BJP's "Undemocratic" Tactics
Outside the Assembly, senior BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo criticized the BJP government for allegedly releasing only photographs and videos of ruling party members."This is a deliberate attempt to silence the opposition and suppress dissent. Such undemocratic practices have no place in a functioning democracy," Sahoo said.
Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik echoed these sentiments, blaming the government for the chaos in the House.
"It is the responsibility of the ruling party to ensure smooth functioning of the Assembly, but the BJP has utterly failed in this regard," Mallik stated.
Government's Response
While the BJP has yet to issue an official statement on the protests, sources within the party suggest that the restrictions on media coverage were implemented to maintain decorum during Question Hour. However, opposition parties and media organizations have dismissed this explanation, calling it an excuse to stifle transparency.What Lies Ahead?
As tensions simmer in the Odisha Assembly, the dual protests by the Congress and BJD have highlighted growing discontent with the BJP government's policies and practices. With the opposition vowing to intensify their agitation, the coming days are likely to see further disruptions and debates over women's safety, media freedom, and democratic accountability.For now, the people of Odisha are left wondering whether their elected representatives will prioritize governance over political grandstanding.
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