The Odisha assembly faced a significant disruption on Tuesday when 12 suspended Congress MLAs continued their protest in the well of the House. They demanded a committee investigation into crimes against women during the eight-month BJP governance. Speaker Surama Padhy suspended these MLAs, including CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam, for seven days due to “indiscipline”.
Taraprasad Bahinipati, one of two Congress MLAs who avoided suspension, stated: “We have decided to spend the night in the Well of the House and continue to demand formation of the committee. Let them throw us out by using marshals or the police. We are not scared.”
The suspended legislators included Sagar Charan Das, Mangu Khilla, Satyajeet Gomango, Ashok Kumar Das, Dasarathi Gamango and Sofia Firdous.
Taraprasad Bahinipati and Ramesh Jena avoided suspension as they were absent during the announcement. Bahinipati had previously received a seven-day suspension on March 11.
Congress intensified their protest by playing gongs, chanting ‘Ram dhuns’, and continuing their dharna. They had previously disrupted proceedings with whistles, flutes, and cymbals whilst advocating for a House Committee. The assembly has experienced continuous disruptions since March 7.
The Speaker adjourned proceedings 14 times on Tuesday, split equally between morning and afternoon sessions. BJD members demanded proportionate ST, SC and OBC reservation in education and employment, whilst Congress members continued their musical protests.
A meeting led by Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi failed to resolve the situation. Three senior BJD members requested the Speaker to reconsider the suspensions.
OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das defended the protests, stating: “What is wrong in it? This is done in temples and the assembly is also a temple of democracy. It was a means to awaken the government, which remained silent on the rise of crimes against women.”
Das vowed to continue protests across Odisha. CLP leader Kadam emphasised their efforts to highlight women’s issues, questioning the resistance to forming an all-party House Committee for investigation.
