Bhubaneswar, Dec 10: The Odisha Assembly turned into a battleground on Tuesday as the ruling BJP and the Opposition BJD clashed over the ongoing protest by community support staff under the Mission Shakti Department. Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House amid uproarious scenes but proceedings resumed with renewed intensity later in the day.

The All Odisha GPLF Mission Shakti Workers Union is spearheading the agitation, raising a 10-point charter of demands, including the release of salaries pending for nine months and regularization of jobs. Frustrated by unfulfilled promises, hundreds of women workers staged a sit-in demonstration at Lower PMG Road.

Joining the protest, senior BJD leaders demanded immediate action. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of deliberately withholding salaries and undermining Mission Shakti’s 70 lakh women workers. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida urged protesters to reconsider their methods, cautioning against external influences.

The situation has escalated, with both parties blaming each other amid rising tensions in the Assembly and on the streets.

Powered by Froala Editor