Odisha Assembly Winter Session Opens with Tribute to Fallen Leaders

The Winter Session of the Odisha Assembly began on November 27, 2023, in Bhubaneswar, marked by a solemn tribute to several leaders who recently passed away. The session commenced after the House adopted a condolence motion proposed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

During the opening proceedings, the Assembly paid homage to notable figures including Hemendra Prasad Mahapatra, a three-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) who served the Bonai constituency in the Sundargarh district, and Krushna Chandra Mallik, a veteran Congress leader who represented the Jagatsinghpur constituency from 1980 to 1985. The tribute also extended to Saroj Kumar Pradhan, a constable of the Odisha Police who lost his life in the line of duty.

In his remarks, Chief Minister Majhi highlighted the contributions of Mahapatra and Mallik, noting their persistent advocacy for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities. The motion received unanimous support from various political leaders, including Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of the Opposition, and Rama Chandra Kadam, the Congress Legislative Party Leader. They urged Speaker Surama Padhy to convey the House’s condolences to the grieving families.

Speaker Padhy actively participated in the discussions surrounding the condolence motion, expressing her profound respect for the deceased members and the fallen police constable. She assured that the condolences from the House would be formally communicated to the bereaved families. Following a moment of silence in remembrance, the Speaker adjourned the session until 16:30.

The Assembly reconvened later in the day, with the Speaker announcing that Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, would address the Assembly at 16:30. During her visit, the President is set to inaugurate the newly constructed Kalinga Guest House and deliver an address to the Assembly, scheduled to run from 16:30 to 17:30.

This fifth session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly is planned to span 29 working days, concluding on December 31, 2023. The session’s agenda is expected to cover various legislative matters as the Assembly resumes its duties following the tribute and opening proceedings.