Bhubaneswar, Feb 16: An all-party meeting was convened on Monday, a day ahead of the Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, to ensure the smooth functioning of the House. The meeting was chaired by Speaker Surama Padhy, who called for cooperation among treasury and opposition benches for a productive session.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya, Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, and Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam were among those present. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling said discussions focused on maintaining decorum and ensuring orderly proceedings.

The session will commence on February 17 with the Governor’s address. Majhi, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the State Budget for 2026-27 on February 20. Opposition parties — Biju Janata Dal and Indian National Congress — plan to raise issues such as paddy procurement, the Mahanadi water dispute, and pollution control.

Meanwhile, multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place, including deployment of dog and bomb squads, fire services, CCTV surveillance, and 20 platoons of police, along with temporary camps and a control room near the Assembly.

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