The stage is set for a heated winter session of the Odisha Assembly, commencing Tuesday, as the opposition sharpens its attacks against the ruling BJP government. The session, scheduled from November 26 to December 31, is expected to witness fiery debates on pressing issues, with the BJP, Congress, and BJD strategizing their legislative moves.
Opposition’s Agenda: Aiming at BJP’s Governance
Opposition’s Pramila Mallik (BJD) accused the BJP government of poor governance since coming to power in June. She highlighted incidents like:
- The deaths of three tribal women after consuming mango kernel gruel due to food scarcity.
- Cases of newborn babies being sold in Rayagada and Bolangir.
- Alleged irregularities in the state’s paddy procurement process.
- Rape cases involving minor girls, citing a decline in law and order.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Ram Chandra Kadam echoed similar concerns, vowing to spotlight issues like unemployment, inflation, and alleged governance lapses during the session.
Ruling BJP’s Response
The BJP legislature party, led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, asserted its readiness to defend its governance and highlight its achievements. Mahaling stated, “We are prepared for discussions on all issues raised by the opposition, including our developmental milestones.”
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, also in charge of the Finance Department, will present the supplementary budget, focusing on initiatives to drive development and address emerging state needs.
Security Arrangements: A Fortress-Like Assembly
Given the charged political atmosphere and the assembly’s proximity to high-profile events, the Odisha police have implemented a three-tier security arrangement:
- Deployment:
- 30 Platoons of Police Force and over 300 officers, including Special Security Battalion personnel, are stationed inside and outside the assembly.
- Armed Police Reserve (APR) forces manage peripheral security, supported by Quick Response Teams (QRTs).
- Technology:
- Extensive monitoring through CCTV cameras at all critical points.
- Anti-sabotage teams, bomb detection squads, and rooftop security patrols.
- Traffic & Public Control:
- 16 traffic routes have been diverted to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
- Special security measures include surveillance at railway stations, public gathering spots, and around CM’s residence to prevent incidents like self-immolation.
High-Profile Visits Add to Security Complexity
Adding to the assembly session’s intensity, Odisha will host several dignitaries in the coming days, including:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will attend the all-India DGP-IGP conference from November 29 to December 1.
- President Droupadi Murmu, scheduled for a five-day visit from December 3, including participation in Navy Day celebrations at Puri’s Blue Flag Beach and a visit to Jagannath Temple.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who will attend the police conference.
Assembly Dynamics: Political Power Play
In the 147-member assembly, BJP commands a majority with 78 members, while the BJD holds 51 seats, Congress has 14 members, CPI (M) has one, and three are Independent MLAs.
The winter session promises to be a battleground of political discourse, with the opposition keen to hold the BJP accountable and the ruling party determined to defend its record. As the assembly doors open, all eyes will be on the debates shaping Odisha’s political landscape.
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