Political Unrest in Odisha's Assembly as BJD Initiates Protests over BJP Administration's Fertiliser Issues
In the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the monsoon session on September 19, 2025, was disrupted by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) opposition party. The demonstration was sparked by the party's concern over the government's handling of the ongoing fertiliser crisis that is affecting farmers across the state, particularly during the kharif season.
The protests began during the Question Hour at 10:30 a.m., with BJD legislators, led by Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, storming the well of the House, brandishing banners, and raising slogans against the ruling BJP government. Their demand was for a suspension of all other proceedings for an urgent, comprehensive debate on the fertiliser shortage.
The BJD's continued disruption halted legislative business, despite an already accepted adjournment motion on the fertiliser issue. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister K.C. Patra had admitted to black marketing of fertilisers across the state the previous day, on September 18, 2025.
The opposition parties, including the BJD, have been accusing the BJP government of being "anti-farmer." In response, BJP MLA Irasis Acharya countered their tactics, arguing that the disruptions stifled important discussions. He argued that if the opposition had faith in democratic principles, they would not have created a ruckus during Question Hour.
The BJP leaders have been blaming the opposition for derailing democratic dialogue amid growing farmer unrest across the state. However, the BJD has maintained its stance, accusing the BJP government of ignoring the rampant black marketing of fertilisers and failing to provide adequate amounts to farmers.
It is important to note that 60% of Odisha's population depends on agriculture, making the fertiliser shortage a critical issue. Farmers are holding protests at many places, expressing their anguish over the situation. The BJD chief whip, Pramila Mallik, voiced this anguish outside the Assembly, fueling the protest.
The Odisha Legislative Assembly was adjourned after four minutes due to the protests. The BJD opposition party has called for extended debates instead of brief discussions, demanding a detailed and thorough examination of the fertiliser shortage and its impact on farmers in the state.
The Hindu reported on the severe shortage of fertilisers currently in the state, adding urgency to the BJD's demands. The party's protests at the Odisha Legislative Assembly reflect the growing concern and frustration among farmers and the opposition over the government's handling of the fertiliser crisis.
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