Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Indian National Congress (INC) MLAs staged a walkout from the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday during Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati’s address, the first day of the Budget Session, signalling their protest over the speech.
Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, speaking to the media after the walkout, described the Governor’s address as “strong in words but weak in action,” saying it did not reflect the ground realities of governance.
Patnaik also raised concerns over rising incidents of mob lynching in Odisha and across India, alleging a worsening law-and-order situation under the current BJP-led government.
“The law-and-order scenario in Odisha is in a dreadful state. Nowhere else in the country can one find such reports of violence and deterioration,” Patnaik said.
Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam also criticised the speech, claiming there was little alignment between the government’s statements and the Governor’s address. He alleged that the state government had failed to demonstrate commitment to Odisha’s development and the welfare of its people.
The ruling BJP, meanwhile, defended the Governor’s address, accusing the opposition of being “confused” and of opposing the state’s rapid development under the current government.
The Budget Session began with Governor Kambhampati calling upon all members to discharge their duties with dedication and work collectively to ensure inclusive growth. He highlighted the state government’s goal of creating a Viksit Odisha by 2036, marking the centenary of the state’s formation.
The Governor also outlined key welfare and development initiatives in agriculture, industry, education, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, and the IT and ITES sectors, aimed at achieving the state’s growth targets.
The Governor’s address will be followed by a two-day discussion, after which Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will present the State Budget on February 20.
The sixth session of the 17th Odisha Assembly is scheduled to conclude on April 8. It will be held in two phases and will comprise 28 working days.
