Chaos Erupts in Odisha Assembly Amid Scuffles

The Odisha Assembly witnessed chaos as BJP and Congress members scuffled, causing Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn proceedings. Tensions rose when BJP's Jaynarayan Mishra clashed with Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati. The unrest was fueled by protests over historical remarks and women's safety issues.

The Odisha Assembly descended into chaos on Tuesday when members of the ruling BJP and opposition Congress engaged in a physical altercation, prompting Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn proceedings until noon.

Tension escalated in the House as senior BJP lawmaker Jaynarayan Mishra approached Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati, who was standing near Urban Development Minister K C Mohapatra during a question reply.

Bahinipati told reporters that Mishra grabbed his shirt collar and pushed him while he was politely asking the minister to halt his response due to disorder in the House. Consequently, a scuffle broke out among members of the treasury bench and the Congress, leading to further chaos.

While BJD members were present, they refrained from engaging in the melee. Both opposition BJD and Congress parties were protesting different issues.

The BJD demanded a statement from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi about Mishra's controversial comments on the historical merger of Koshala with Odisha, while Congress focused on rising crimes against women. This was the second consecutive day of turmoil, with Speaker Padhy allowing only a brief Question Hour amid the protests.

Adding to the drama, BJD members symbolically searched for the absentee Chief Minister using lanterns, staging a sit-in outside his chamber.