BJD Boycotts Odisha Assembly Orientation Over Dignity Concerns

The opposition BJD in Odisha has decided to boycott a two-day orientation programme of the assembly, protesting the participation of central ministers as speakers. BJD chief whip Pramila Mallik criticized the move for undermining the state’s dignity and the status of the state chief minister.

The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has announced that its MLAs will boycott the two-day orientation programme of the state assembly scheduled for this weekend. Key central ministers are slated to inaugurate and address the programme.

In a letter to Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, BJD's chief whip Pramila Mallik expressed strong objections, stating that inviting central ministers to such events undermines the dignity and established conventions of the assembly.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is set to inaugurate the programme, while Union Health Minister J P Nadda will address the valedictory session. Mallik called the move undignified and criticized it for relegating the state chief minister to a secondary role within the assembly premises. The BJD holds 51 seats in the 147-member assembly.

(With inputs from agencies.)