Bhubaneswar, February 18: The Odisha Assembly witnessed significant turmoil on Wednesday as members of the opposition, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, protested against alleged mismanagement in rice procurement across the state.
As proceedings began, BJD members carrying banners approached Speaker Surama Padhi’s podium, chanting anti-government slogans regarding the chaos in state markets.
In a unique form of protest, some BJD legislators placed bags of rice on the journalists’ table inside the assembly. Congress members also joined in, raising slogans related to farmers’ issues.
Due to the uproar caused by the opposition, Assembly Speaker Surama Padhi was compelled to adjourn the session until 11:30 AM and then again until 4 PM.
BJD’s Chief Whip, Pramila Mallick, spoke to reporters, stating that the party had repeatedly urged the state government to address the farmers’ concerns. She mentioned that they had met with Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi and the Agriculture Minister to highlight issues like the lack of rice harvesting and the ongoing practice of illegal deductions during procurement.
Mallick accused the government of misleading farmers, who, encouraged by the promised input subsidy of ₹800 and a rate of ₹3,100 per quintal, cultivated more rice this year.
She explained that following the government’s decision to limit the distribution of the minimum support price (MSP) of ₹2,300 per quintal to 150 quintals per farmer, many farmers now find themselves in distress.
She reported that contrary to government promises, illegal deductions of up to 10 kilograms per quintal during procurement continue unabated in markets statewide, forcing farmers to sell their rice at significantly lower prices through middlemen.
The BJD leader also criticized the inconsistencies in statements from the Chief Minister and the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Supply regarding this issue. She emphasized that the BJD would continue its protests until the government announces a definitive timeline for the complete procurement of farmers’ rice.
Congress leaders echoed these concerns, alleging that the state government colluded with rice mill owners to coerce farmers into unfavorable conditions.
Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling party criticized the BJD and Congress, claiming that opposition members were deliberately obstructing discussions on Odisha’s development.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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