Bhubaneswar, Sep 22: The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions on the opening day of its Monsoon Session on Tuesday as Opposition members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress protested over the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, and alleged errors in school textbooks. The protests forced Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the House multiple times.

The session began with obituary references to former legislators, leaders and public figures who had passed away. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi moved the condolence motions. The House also observed silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent floods in Nepal.

However, proceedings became disorderly soon after Question Hour began. BJD and Congress legislators entered the well of the House carrying placards and raising slogans over the MMDR legislation and alleged mistakes in school textbooks. Despite repeated appeals from the Speaker to maintain order, the protests continued, leading to the first adjournment until 1.10 pm.

When the House reconvened, Opposition members resumed their protest, prompting another adjournment until 4 pm. Proceedings were again disrupted after the House met later in the afternoon, following which the Speaker adjourned the Assembly for the day.

The Monsoon Session is scheduled to continue until October 3 and has nine working days. The government is expected to introduce six Bills during the session. The Opposition has indicated that issues including the MMDR Amendment Act, textbook errors, law and order, flood management, farmers’ concerns and unemployment will be raised.

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