BJD Stands Against Orientation Programme Schedule

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha declared on Wednesday that it will boycott a two-day orientation programme for new MLAs unless the event schedule is changed.

The programme, set for August 17 and 18, features Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Health Minister J P Nadda as speakers, sparking objections from the BJD.

BJD leaders argue that non-members of the Odisha Assembly should not be addressing the sessions, which traditionally involve key figures like the Chief Minister and Speaker, emphasizing that the rule deviation compromises the dignity of the House.

(With inputs from agencies.)