All-party meeting held ahead of Odisha Assembly’s winter session

Bhubaneswar, Nov 25 Ahead of the upcoming winter session of the Odisha Assembly, the leaders of all major political parties participated in an all-party meeting held under the chairmanship of Speaker Surama Padhy here on Monday.

Speaking to media persons here, Padhy said that an all-party meeting was convened as per the procedural rules. She further stated that Chief Minister and Leader of the House Mohan Charan Majhi, opposition BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, and Congress Legislative Party Leader Ramchandra Kadam among others participated in the meeting.

"We have deliberated extensively to ensure a smooth and productive session of the Assembly. The meeting was successful," said Padhy.

The opposition Biju Janata Dal and Congress on the other hand are all set to corner the state government on various issues including the law-and-order situation in the state, and the mango kernel death issue.

Senior BJD leader Pratap Keshari Deb stated that there are several burning issues which will be raised by the BJD during the Assembly session.

“As a responsible opposition, we will take up these issues and put the government in dock,” said Deb.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leaders are scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday to discuss the party’s strategy to corner the state government over different issues.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Police YB Khurania on Monday reviewed the security arrangements at Vidhan Sabha ahead of the winter session which is going to commence from November 26.

Police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh, ADG (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar and Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra along with other senior police officials were also present there.

“The Commissionerate police have made extensive arrangements for the Assembly session which is going to begin from tomorrow (Tuesday). Three-tier security arrangements have been put in place for the Assembly session. As many as 30 platoons of police force and more than 300 officers will be deployed for the security of the state Assembly during the session. Adequate security arrangements have also been made at the designated places for dharna,” said Khurania.

Notably, the second session of the 17th Odisha Assembly will begin on November 26 and will continue till December 31.