Odisha Assembly adjourned sine die amid floods and protests

The Odisha Legislative Assembly has adjourned sine die, bringing its Monsoon Session to an early end after functioning for only five of its nine scheduled working days. The decision followed a motion moved by Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, citing the state's prevailing flood situation. Speaker Surama Padhi approved the motion.

The session was marked by significant disruptions. The Opposition protested against amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, which prevented the Question Hour from taking place on any of the five active days. While the ruling party attributed the early conclusion to the floods, the Opposition alleged the government ended the session prematurely to avoid debate on the MMDR Bill and errors in school textbooks.

Despite the disruptions, four bills were passed, including the Odisha State Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employments Bill, 2026, and the Odisha Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026. Regarding the flood crisis, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated there is currently no major threat from the Mahanadi river, noting that water inflow from Chhattisgarh is being managed through discharge at the Mundali barrage.