Odisha Assembly adjourned for fourth day amid MMDR Act protests

The Odisha Assembly was adjourned for the fourth consecutive day on Friday following intense protests by opposition members from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress. The disruptions occurred just four minutes after the commencement of the scheduled Question Hour, forcing Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi to adjourn the proceedings until 4 PM.

Opposition legislators staged protests in the well of the House regarding two primary issues: the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, and alleged errors in school textbooks. BJD and Congress members demanded the repeal of the amended MMDR Act, which they claim will cause a financial loss exceeding Rs one lakh crore to Odisha and deprive the state of rights over its mineral resources. BJD members characterized the legislation as a “Black Act” and an “anti-people” policy.

Additionally, BJD members called for the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, holding him responsible for controversies surrounding textbook errors. The deadlock has prevented the House from conducting its scheduled Question Hour, Zero Hour, and Adjournment Motion business for four days.