The 17th Assembly's monsoon session commenced today, September 18, 2025, with the house proceedings starting at 11 am. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi initiated the session by moving a condolence motion honoring eight departed leaders, including BJD MLA Late Rajendra Dholakia, former Deputy Speaker Late Bibhuti Bhushan Mardaraj, and Late Prasanna Patnaik.
Key Highlights
- Condolence Motion: Supported unanimously by opposition parties BJD and Congress; Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Durha and Congress MLA Ramachandra Kadam expressed condolences.
- Silent Prayer: Offered in the house following condolence speeches.
- Session Schedule: Runs from Sept 18 to 25, with 7 working days and one Sunday off.
- Expected Agenda: Focus on issues like fertiliser crisis, women's safety, law and order, and administrative efficiency.
Opposition's Stance
- BJD's Focus: Problems faced by farmers, women, SCs/STs; chief whip Pramila Mallik assured cooperation.
- Congress's Plan: May introduce no-confidence motion; concerns over crimes against women and 'vote theft'.
The session promises lively debates as opposition parties prepare to challenge the government on various fronts.