Odisha Assembly in Turmoil: Protests Over Women's Safety and Reservation Policies

The Odisha Assembly saw turmoil as opposition MLAs protested over women's safety and reservation issues, leading to multiple adjournments. BJD and Congress members voiced demands for ST, SC, and OBC reservations and inquiries into violence against women, while musical protests added to the chaos.

The Odisha Assembly's Tuesday session descended into chaos as opposition MLAs played gongs and raised slogans, stalling proceedings and prompting Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the meeting twice.

Amid ongoing disruptions, Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi called an all-party meeting seeking resolution. BJD and Congress members, holding placards, protested, accusing the BJP government of neglecting women's safety and failing to ensure justice for ST, SC, and OBC communities.

Citing rising violence against women during BJP's tenure, Congress demanded a House Committee investigation, while BJD called for increased reservations. Despite Speaker Padhy's calls for order, the uproar continued, resulting in adjournments and protest gatherings by Congress and BJD on the Assembly grounds.

(With inputs from agencies.)