The Odisha assembly erupted into chaos on Tuesday as opposition BJD and Congress MLAs demanded a caste census, leading to repeated adjournments. The session began with MLAs storming the Well, shouting slogans for caste-based reservations in educational institutions. The disruption escalated when Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati and BJD member Adhiraj Panigrahi attempted to storm the Speaker’s podium, prompting security to intervene.
Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned proceedings multiple times as the opposition persisted in its demands. Despite the turmoil, the BJP remained steadfast, dismissing the opposition’s tactics as an attempt to stir unrest and divert attention from the party’s achievements in governance.
The BJP has positioned itself as the voice of reason amidst the chaos, with leaders asserting that the demands for a caste census are being used as a political ploy. They argue that the opposition’s focus on identity politics threatens to overshadow the state’s pressing issues, such as economic development and infrastructure improvement.
BJP leaders have emphasized their commitment to inclusive growth, highlighting their efforts in promoting education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for all, regardless of caste. They argue that the opposition’s disruptive behavior in the assembly reflects a desperation to regain political ground, rather than a genuine concern for social justice.
This controversy underscores the deepening divide in Odisha’s political landscape, with the BJP positioning itself as the defender of stability and progress, while the opposition pushes a more divisive agenda. As the assembly continues to be mired in conflict, the BJP’s stance against the caste census demands is likely to resonate with voters who prioritize governance over political maneuvering.