Opposition Boycotts MLA Orientation Over Tradition Violation

Odisha's opposition parties, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, have decided to boycott a two-day orientation programme for newly elected MLAs. They claim the tradition and dignity of the Assembly have been 'lowered' as a Union minister will inaugurate the event instead of the state's Chief Minister. Modifications in the guest list have not changed their stance.

The Opposition parties in Odisha, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, have decided to boycott a two-day orientation programme for newly elected MLAs that starts on Saturday.

Both parties allege that the tradition and dignity of the Odisha Assembly have been compromised, as the programme is set to be inaugurated by a Union minister instead of the state's Chief Minister, who is also the leader of the House.

Though the guest list was modified, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh now scheduled to inaugurate and address the event, the opposition parties remain firm in their boycott. BJD and Congress leaders, among them the Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik, have voiced strong objections, stating that the assembly's conventions have been disregarded.