Bhubaneswar,22/09(PPT): The monsoon session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly began on Tuesday amid protests by Opposition members over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, and alleged errors in school textbooks. The House was adjourned till 1.10 p.m. after BJD and Congress members entered the well and raised slogans during Question Hour.
The proceedings opened with Vande Mataram and the National Anthem, followed by condolence references moved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The references included former ministers and legislators, as well as victims of recent floods in India and Nepal.
The Opposition sought a discussion on the MMDR Amendment Act, arguing that the legislation could have implications for Odisha’s mineral revenues and rights. The BJD and Congress had flagged the issue ahead of the session, with both parties indicating that they would raise it in the House. The BJP government, however, has said it is prepared to discuss issues raised by the Opposition.
Speaker Surama Padhy appealed to members to maintain order, but the protests continued, forcing the adjournment. The nine-working-day session is scheduled to continue until October 3, with six Bills expected to be introduced.
The MMDR amendment, textbook errors, the Mahanadi water dispute and other issues are expected to feature prominently during the brief session.