Bhubaneswar, Feb 18: The second day of the Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed massive disruptions as Opposition members created a ruckus over alleged irregularities in paddy procurement, forcing repeated adjournments of the House.

Members of the Biju Janata Dal and the Indian National Congress staged aggressive protests, raising slogans and accusing the government of mismanagement in procurement operations. In a dramatic gesture, several MLAs brought bundles of paddy into the Assembly and placed them on the reporters’ table to highlight farmers’ distress and delays in procurement.

The situation turned chaotic when protesting legislators stormed the Well of the House, refusing to return to their seats despite repeated appeals for order by Speaker Surama Padhy.

As the uproar continued unabated, proceedings were first adjourned till 11:30 am. However, disruptions resumed when the House reassembled, compelling the Speaker to adjourn the session again till 4 pm.

The Opposition demanded immediate government intervention to address farmer grievances, ensure smooth procurement, and probe the alleged irregularities.

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