The Budget Session of theOdisha Legislative Assemblycommenced on Tuesday with a condolence motion and Opposition protests marking the opening day’s proceedings.
Soon after the House assembled, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi moved a condolence motion, expressing grief over the demise of former members of the Assembly.
Later, the Governor delivered the customary address to the House. However, the speech drew sharp criticism from the Opposition, with members of both the Congress and theBiju Janata Dal (BJD)staging a walkout in protest.
Amid the developments, expelled BJD MLAs Arvind Mohapatra and Sanatan Mahakud, whose seats were recently shifted in the Assembly following their expulsion from the party, remained seated and did not join the walkout.
Responding to the seat change, Mohapatra said the move did not concern him, asserting that he continues to serve as an MLA and can raise issues related to his constituency from any seat in the House.
He said he had intended to listen to the Governor’s address to assess the government’s claims regarding its achievements. If given the opportunity, he added, he would raise issues concerning the government’s performance as well as matters relating to his constituency, Patkura.
Mohapatra also stated that he remains unaware of the reasons behind his expulsion from the BJD. On the Budget presented during the session, he said he would share his views at an appropriate stage.
