Odisha Assembly Disrupted as BJD Protests Fertiliser Crisis

The Odisha Legislative Assembly descended into pandemonium on Friday as opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs staged a fierce protest, demanding an in-depth debate on the escalating fertiliser crisis gripping the state’s farmers during the critical kharif season. The uproar, which saw BJD legislators storm the well of the House with placards and anti-government slogans, forced Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn proceedings until 4 PM after just four minutes of disrupted business, highlighting the deepening political rift over agricultural distress.

The BJD’s agitation, accusing the ruling BJP government of being “anti-farmer,” began even before the 10:30 AM Question Hour, with members refusing to relent despite Padhy’s pleas to return to their seats. Amid the chaos, only a brief response from School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond to a query by BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy could be attempted, drowned out by the din. The protest followed Food Supplies Minister K C Patra’s admission on Thursday that black marketing of fertilisers was rampant across Odisha, fueling farmer unrest on the streets.

Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik defended the BJD’s actions, slamming the government for ignoring farmers’ plight. “Over 60% of Odisha’s population depends on agriculture—farmers are protesting on roads due to fertiliser shortages and black marketing,” she told reporters outside the House. Mallik justified the disruption, arguing that a mere 15-20 minute discussion, despite the Speaker accepting a Congress notice for a debate post-Question Hour, was inadequate. “We demand a full-fledged session, suspending all other business, to address this crisis,” she asserted.

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BJP MLA Agasti Behera hit back, accusing the BJD of orchestrating the ruckus for publicity and to “defame” the government. “The Speaker had scheduled a discussion—what was the need for this drama?” he questioned. Congress MLA Ashok Das, meanwhile, expressed bafflement at the BJD’s tactics, suggesting they undermined a potential adjournment motion debate. “Their actions ensured the House adjourned, almost as if to shield the BJP,” Das alleged, hinting at political maneuvering.

The fertiliser crisis, marked by shortages and inflated prices, has sparked statewide farmer protests, with reports of hoarding and illegal sales exacerbating the situation. As Odisha’s agrarian economy faces mounting pressure, the Assembly’s paralysis reflects the urgency of addressing farmers’ woes, with political blame games threatening to overshadow actionable solutions.

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