Budget Session of Odisha Assembly Adjourned Sine Die, Opposition Discontent Erupts

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Legislative Assembly concluded its Budget Session two days ahead of schedule today, with the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) pushing through a motion to adjourn sine die. Originally slated to run until February 13, the session, which began on February 5, was expected to last seven days.

During the session, BJD legislator and government chief whip Prashanta Muduli moved a motion to adjourn the House sine die for the remaining period of the Budget Session. However, opposition BJP MLAs staged a walkout after the Speaker denied them the opportunity to speak on the motion.

Yesterday, Finance Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha presented a vote on account totalling Rs 1.18 lakh crore for the first four months of the 2024-25 fiscal year. Today, the Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill.

Expressing gratitude, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik thanked the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and leaders of the BJP and Congress for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth functioning of the 15th session.

Additionally, Congress Legislature Party leader Narasingha Mishra announced that he will not contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Odisha, stating, “This was the last session for me. I hope that the members of the 17th Assembly will uphold the sanctity of democracy in the state.”