The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed turbulent scenes as all 14 Congress MLAs were suspended, prompting a clash between party leaders and security personnel.
The suspensions, executed in phases, have left the party without representation in the House until they are revoked.
The uproar began when Congress members, protesting alleged atrocities against legislators, staged a demonstration within the Assembly premises, spending the night there.
The confrontation intensified as police moved to evict them, with party leaders alleging that they were manhandled in the process.
The situation was further aggravated when the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) boycotted the session, albeit over a separate issue concerning OBC reservations.
With only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members remaining in the House, legislative proceedings took place in a politically charged atmosphere.
Visuals from the Assembly complex showed multiple layers of barricades set up by security forces. Despite the barriers, Congress leaders attempted to breach them, leading to clashes with the police.
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Addressing the media, Odisha Congress in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu condemned the suspensions, stating: “Our MLAs had been demanding answers from the Chief Minister on atrocities against women in the state.
Twelve MLAs were suspended from the Assembly only because they raised this issue. This is the murder of democracy. We will fight strongly. The CM will have to answer this.”
On March 25, the Congress legislators had remained inside the Assembly overnight, pressing for the formation of a House Committee to investigate alleged offences against women.
However, they were forcibly removed, after which the protest continued outside the state Congress office.
Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati, among those suspended, alleged physical assault by security personnel.
“A House Committee should be formed. They are afraid to make it because the truth will come out. When I was there, they hit me and hit others too. I haven't seen anything like this in my life. I have not seen the police enter the House and assault us. We have been suspended for seven days. Yesterday, 12 MLAs were suspended,” he said.
Following the clashes, several Congress leaders were taken into police custody.
The political standoff is expected to continue as the party remains defiant in its demand for accountability.
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