Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday said an ecosystem lingering from the previous BJD regime was harassing farmers and warned of stern action, even as opposition protests over farmers’ issues for the 2nd consecutive day washed out the pre-lunch session of the Odisha assembly.Replying to the motion of thanks to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati’s address, Majhi said the opposition’s conduct over the last 2 days showed they “do not want to raise the voice of the people in the assembly.” Calling the walkout during the Governor’s address on Tuesday “extremely disappointing”, he said leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik and his party MLAs “quietly walked out” despite knowing the address demanded serious discussion.
He claimed some senior opposition leaders wanted to participate but were overruled by their own party. “The public will judge your conduct,” Majhi said. The opposition walked out in the middle of the Governor’s address. During the CM’s speech also, they staged a walkout.Accusing the opposition of being focused only on “creating vote banks,” he alleged that the BJD’s 24-year rule was marked by autocratic functioning and weak outcomes. On the uproar over farmers’ issues, the CM said he was fully prepared to answer every query. “I am not that politician who gives scripted answers only at home or on the steps of the secretariat,” he said in a veiled swipe at the former CM.Majhi said the “ecosystem of the 24-year govt” was still active and intimidating farmers, cautioning them to reform or face consequences. “Consider this as advice or warning. Our govt is in action mode to give justice to farmers,” he said.Highlighting the govt’s interventions, he pointed to the rapid rollout of input subsidy, the assured payment of Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy, and record procurement. In 2024-25, over 73 lakh MT of paddy was procured from more than 16.6 lakh farmers, with around Rs 23,000 crore paid, including state support, he said. Appealing to the opposition to return to the House, Majhi added: “Participate, ask questions, demand answers. The public has given all of us a responsibility.”Earlier in the day, opposition BJD and Congress staged protests for the 2nd day over alleged problems in paddy procurement, prompting Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn proceedings first till 11.30 am and later till 4 pm.When the House reconvened for question hour, opposition members stormed the well carrying placards and shouting slogans. Congress MLAs also demanded 300 units of free electricity.Though the Speaker initially tried to continue business and asked parliamentary affairs minister Mukesh Mahaling to respond to a question from BJP MLA Sidhant Mohapatra, opposition members intensified their protests, displaying banners before the minister and obstructing proceedings. Despite repeated appeals from the chair, the opposition remained defiant.
