Bhubaneswar, Mar 26: The political scenario in Odisha has been witnessing high drama inside and outside the State Assembly since the beginning of the ongoing Budget session. The second phase of the session has been marked by repeated disruptions, adjournments, and protests over the suspension of MLAs.
Tensions escalated at the entrance of the Assembly today as suspended Congress MLAs attempted to enter the premises, leading to a scuffle with the police. BJD legislators joined in and along with the Congress MLAs clashed with security personnel.
They later staged a sit-in protest under the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
It is worth mentioning that 12 Congress MLAs were suspended from the Assembly on Tuesday due to alleged misconduct and unruly behavior. Protesting against the move, Congress leaders and workers staged a night-long dharna at Master Canteen Square last night.
As the Assembly session resumed today, the suspended MLAs tried to force their way into the House but were stopped by the police. The Congress leaders refused to retreat which led to a scuffle.
Meanwhile, BJD MLAs also got involved. They broke the Assembly gate and escorted the suspended Congress MLAs into the premises. Scores of Congress workers were also accompanying the party MLAs. The protesting MLAs then sat under Ambedkar’s statue, demanding justice.
As the protests continued, Congress leaders and party workers staged another demonstration in front of the Assembly, opposing what they called an unjust suspension of their MLAs.
Police arrived at the scene and arrested all the agitators before taking them into custody.
Notably, the BJD members demanded a statement in the House from the Speaker on the issue of the suspension of the 12 Congress MLAs and the alleged assault on them by security personnel. They later staged a walkout in the Assembly.
