Things got pretty heated in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Friday as opposition parties, like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, protested against the decisions made by the BJP-led state government. The main issues causing the uproar were the alleged disrespect towards former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik and worries about women's safety in the state. Because of all this commotion, there were multiple adjournments, which messed up the assembly's schedule.

Opposition's Claims of Disrespect to Biju Patnaik

The whole controversy kicked off when the state government decided to celebrate Panchayati Raj Divas on April 24, following the national observance, instead of March 5, Biju Patnaik's birthday. For years now, since 1993, Odisha has celebrated Panchayati Raj Divas on March 5 to honor Patnaik's contributions to rural development. The decision to move the celebration away from his birthday rubbed the opposition the wrong way, as they saw it as a way to undermine his legacy.

When the assembly got going during Question Hour, opposition members were quick to raise slogans against the government's decision. BJD MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi and senior Congress member Taraprasad Bahinipati tried to get to the Speaker's podium, which turned the situation chaotic. The Speaker, Surama Padhy, had to adjourn the assembly twice because of the unrest.

Outside the assembly, BJD legislators held a sit-in near Biju Patnaik's statue, demanding that March 5 be reinstated as Panchayati Raj Divas. Eight-time BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain stated, "The BJP government has dishonored Biju Patnaik, and the people of Odisha will never put up with this disrespect towards such a great son of the soil." Former minister Arun Kumar Sahoo added that the BJD would keep pushing for their cause both inside and outside the House until the government reverses its decision.

Worries About Women's Safety

Along with the Panchayati Raj Divas situation, the opposition also brought up rising fears about women's safety in Odisha. Congress members pointed to recent crimes against women in places like Remuna (Balasore district), Naktideula (Sambalpur district), Patana (Keonjhar district), and Bhubaneswar. They slammed the BJP government for being insensitive to the victims and their families, stressing that no government representatives had reached out to the affected families.

Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik claimed that since the BJP took over, crime against women and children has shot up alarmingly in the state.

She demanded a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the family of a nine-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in Balasore on August 27. Mallik also referenced West Bengal's recent enactment of the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill 2024,' which imposes stringent punishments for rape convicts, and urged Odisha to adopt similar legislation.

Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati echoed these sentiments, stating that women and children were not safe in Odisha. He urged both the BJD and the BJP to refrain from political mudslinging and focus on implementing stringent laws to ensure justice for victims in a timely manner.

Government's Response

The BJP-led state government defended its decision to reschedule Panchayati Raj Divas, asserting that aligning it with the national date of April 24 was appropriate. Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik refuted allegations of dishonoring Biju Patnaik, stating that the government holds the former chief minister in high regard. He accused the opposition of obstructing legislative proceedings and politicizing the issue.

Regarding women's safety, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling responded on behalf of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. He claimed that the police have swiftly arrested accused individuals, sometimes within 24 hours of incidents being reported. Mahaling emphasized the government's commitment to protecting women and children, asserting that no criminal would be allowed to go free.

Ongoing Tensions and Future Implications

The second phase of the Budget Session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly began on Friday and is scheduled to continue until April 5. However, the initial day was marred by disruptions due to the opposition's protests. Both the BJD and Congress have vowed to persist with their agitations until their demands are met.

The government's decision to delink Panchayati Raj Divas from Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary has not only sparked political unrest but also touched a nerve concerning Odisha's cultural identity. Biju Patnaik, affectionately known as "Biju Babu," is revered for his contributions to the state's development and his role in promoting regional pride. Any perceived slight against his legacy is likely to evoke strong reactions from the public and political entities alike.

Furthermore, the issue of women's safety remains a critical concern. The opposition's demand for legislation similar to West Bengal's 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill 2024' indicates a push for more stringent measures to protect women and children in the state. The government's response to these demands will be closely watched by both the opposition and the public.

As the Budget Session progresses, the ability of the assembly to address these contentious issues constructively will be crucial. The government's willingness to engage in dialogue and consider the opposition's concerns may determine the legislative body's effectiveness in the coming weeks.

In conclusion, the Odisha Assembly's recent turmoil underscores the deep-seated emotions associated with Biju Patnaik's legacy and the pressing need to address women's safety comprehensively. The government's actions in response to these challenges will significantly impact the state's political and social landscape in the near future.