Mon Mar 10 06:47:20 UTC 2025: ## Odisha Assembly in Uproar Over BJP MLA’s Controversial Remarks

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha –** The Odisha Assembly was disrupted on Monday following controversial statements made by BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, who called the 1936 merger of the Koshala region into Odisha a “historical mistake.” Mishra’s remarks, made during a government function, sparked outrage among opposition parties, leading to protests and the adjournment of the House.

Congress legislators accused Mishra of undermining Odia pride and demanded a response from Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, also from Odisha, for his silence on the matter. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted a report alleging Mishra did not stand for the state song, further fueling the controversy.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Odisha’s ruling party, also strongly condemned Mishra’s statement, demanding a statement from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. BJD members staged a sit-in within the Assembly premises, accusing Mishra of attempting to divide the state. Eight-time MLA and former BJD Minister R P Swain questioned the BJP’s commitment to “Odia Asmita” (Odia pride) in light of Mishra’s comments.

The protests, which included shouting slogans and the occupation of the well of the House by BJD and Congress MLAs, forced Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the session. Congress MLAs also held a separate protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue, raising concerns about rising crimes against women in the state. The disruptions followed a moment of homage for deceased former minister Ananta Charan Das. The Assembly will reconvene later.

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