Tension simmers in Bhubaneswar ahead of the Odisha Legislative Assembly’s budget session beginning February 17. Congress, in a high-stakes strategy session within assembly grounds, is priming to besiege the government with a barrage of public-interest issues.
OPCC chairperson Bhakt Charan Das told the press that Congress stands firm as the people’s watchdog, ready to confront state failures head-on. The hit list features farmer swindles, industry-led environmental havoc and uprooting, stalled Mahanadi water pact, free power for tillers, consumer relief, women’s protection imperatives, youth job drought, Dalit-tribal land and employment rorts, plus ditched manifesto commitments.
CLP leader Ramchandra Kadam, co-convener Jetti Kusum Kumar, and all Congress legislators brainstormed the approach. Opposition duo BJD-Congress eyes relentless pressure, especially on disorganized rice procurement.
Patnaik directed BJD ranks to flag farmer plights and lawlessness surge. Monday’s all-party huddle under Speaker Surama Padhi set session protocols. Governor addresses to open, budget by CM Mohan Charan Majhi and FM on 20th. The 17th Assembly’s sixth session, bi-phased with 28 sittings, ends April 8.