Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly witnessed intense exchanges on Tuesday as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) sparred over the ongoing protest by Mission Shakti Department’s community support staff.
Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House till 11:30 a.m. amid uproarious scenes, but the debate resumed with renewed vigour once the session reconvened.
The protest, led by the All Odisha GPLF Mission Shakti Workers Union, highlights a 10-point demand, including the release of salaries pending for nine months and the regularisation of jobs. Frustrated by the government’s inaction after failed discussions, hundreds of women workers have taken to the streets, staging a sit-in demonstration at Lower PMG Road.
Senior BJD leaders joined the protest on Tuesday at Lower PMG Square, demanding the immediate release of pending salaries and the fulfilment of other demands. Speaking on the issue, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP-led state government of conspiring against Mission Shakti workers.
“The BJP government is deliberately withholding the salaries of Mission Shakti women. More than 70 lakh women work as support staff under this initiative. We strongly condemn this. The BJD has always stood by the Mission Shakti movement and will continue to support it,” said Patnaik.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida urged the protesters to reconsider their approach, warning against external influences. “The Legislative Assembly discussed this matter yesterday. I appeal to the women support staff not to protest at the instigation of others,” she said.
The BJP, in turn, held the previous BJD government accountable for the workers’ plight, citing its failure to renew service agreements that lapsed in April this year.
Despite assurances, the protesters remain steadfast in their demand for justice, vowing to continue their indefinite sit-in until their grievances are addressed.
