BJD targets govt over textbook errors, Congress demands repeal of MMDR Amendment Act 2026; Speaker Surama Padhy adjourns House till 10:30 AM tomorrow after repeated disruptions

Bhubaneswar, Sep 22, 2026

The Monsoon Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly got off to a stormy start on Tuesday, with the House being adjourned for the day following high-voltage protests by Opposition BJD and Congress members.

The day began on a sombre note with obituary references to six former legislators and victims of the recent flash floods in Nepal. Speaker Surama Padhy paid tribute to the departed souls and observed a minute of silence.

However, normalcy was short-lived. Soon after Question Hour was to commence, opposition MLAs trooped into the well of the House, raising slogans and displaying placards against the Mohan Majhi-led BJP government.

*Twin Issues Rock House*

While BJD legislators cornered the government over alleged glaring mistakes in newly printed school textbooks, Congress members vociferously demanded a resolution for the repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, which was recently passed in Parliament.

The Congress termed the amended mining law "anti-Odisha and anti-tribal," alleging it dilutes state rights over its mineral resources. BJD, on the other hand, accused the School and Mass Education department of compromising the future of students by distributing error-ridden books.

Speaker Surama Padhy repeatedly appealed for order and urged members to return to their seats and allow the House to function. As the uproar continued unabated, she first adjourned the House till 1:10 PM.

When the House reassembled, the scene was no different. Opposition members again stormed the well, continuing their sloganeering. With no let-up in protests, the Speaker had to adjourn the proceedings for the day, scheduling the next sitting for 10:30 AM tomorrow.

Sources said several important bills, including those related to the supplementary budget and land reforms, are lined up for this Monsoon Session. But with the opposition in no mood to relent, the session is likely to see more stormy days ahead.