Bhubaneswar: Legislative business in the Odisha Legislative Assembly remained paralyzed for the second consecutive day as opposition members from the Biju Janata Dal and Congress created an uproar over the alleged distress sale of paddy. The morning session saw no productive work as noisy scenes erupted during both Question Hour and Zero Hour, with opposition MLAs brandishing banners and posters while shouting slogans against the state government.
As soon as the proceedings commenced, members from the opposition benches marched into the well of the House to protest the difficulties faced by farmers in selling their produce. Despite the chaos, Speaker Surma Padhy attempted to conduct business by asking Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling to respond to a query from MLA Sanjali Murmu. However, the minister’s reply was drowned out by the persistent shouting. Although the Speaker repeatedly appealed to the agitating members to return to their seats and participate in the discussions, her pleas went unheeded, forcing an initial adjournment until 11:30 AM.
When the House reassembled, the confrontational atmosphere persisted. Nevertheless, amid the slogans, four BJP legislators managed to raise local issues during Zero Hour. MLA Jalen Nayak spoke regarding drinking water grievances, while Manoranjan Dyan Samantray highlighted the acute shortage of teachers, noting that even retired educators were unavailable for recruitment. Additionally, MLA Dusmanta Swain urged the government to prioritize the development of the Nilamadhab Temple.
Focusing on administrative revenue, BJP MLA Amarendra Das pointed out that while the number of sand ghats in Jagatsinghpur district has increased from 16 to 27, the government has struggled to collect tender money. He further alleged that leaseholders are evading the 18 percent GST and failing to clear their dues, while the heavy transport of sand continues to damage local roads and bridges. With the opposition refusing to back down from their protest over the paddy issue, Speaker Surma Padhy eventually adjourned the proceedings until 4:00 PM.
The Odisha Assembly did not transact normal business after 4 PM also. While the House reconvened briefly as scheduled, the stalemate between the Treasury Bench and the Opposition continued unabated.
Speaker Smt.Padhy was forced to adjourn the House for the entire day within moments of the afternoon session starting. The BJD and Congress members remained steadfast in their protest in the well of the House, refusing to end their sloganeering over the paddy procurement crisis. Consequently, the Speaker announced that the House would remain adjourned until 10:30 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026.