The 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly starts on Monday. The newly formed BJP government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will commence its first session. Governor Raghubar Das will address the Assembly to mark the beginning.
All-Party Meeting
On Sunday, Speaker Surama Padhi held an all-party meeting. The goal was to ensure smooth functioning of the Assembly. Chief Minister Majhi and Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo visited former CM and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik’s residence, Naveen Niwas. They invited him to foster cooperation in the Assembly. Pramila Mallik, Chief Whip of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and former speaker, attended the meeting on behalf of the LoP. Congress and the Communist Party of India were absent.
Security Measures
Elaborate security arrangements are in place for the session. Odisha Police has set up a three-tier security cover around the Assembly. Thirty platoons of police forces have been deployed. Bomb squads, dog squads, striking forces, and SOG Jawans are also on duty. The Assembly premises are under CCTV surveillance. Roads leading to the Assembly have been diverted. Protesting areas in Master Canteen and Lower PMG are monitored by CCTV. Three barricades prevent protestors from entering the Assembly premises. Armed forces are stationed at entry points. Police DG Arun Sarangi inspected the security arrangements on Sunday.
Key Events
The election for the Deputy Speaker is on July 24. The BJP government will present its first budget for 2024-25 on July 25. The budget session will continue from July 22 until September 13.
Political Strategies
The ruling BJP faces challenges from the opposition BJD. The BJD held a strategy meeting chaired by party president Naveen Patnaik. Their focus is on the BJP’s election promises. They plan to attack the BJP on several issues:
· Mishap during the ‘Adapa Pahandi’ of Lord Balabhadra.
· Alleged assault on a government servant by the Governor’s son.
· Rising inflation.
· BJP’s promises about raising the MSP of paddy to Rs 3,100 per quintal.
· 300 units of free electricity.
BJP’s Counter Strategy
The BJP has also prepared its counter-strategy. Chief Minister Majhi chaired a meeting to discuss how to respond to the BJD’s attacks.
The 17th Odisha Assembly session promises to be intense, with both the ruling party and the opposition ready for a stormy beginning.
(With inputs from agencies)
