Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Odisha Assembly Session Opens Amid Protests Over Mining Law, Textbooks
The Odisha Assembly began a new meeting period on September 22.
Some opposition lawmakers entered the central area of the chamber and shouted slogans.
BJD members were angry about mistakes in school textbooks.
Congress members opposed a recently passed mining law amendment.
The Speaker asked the lawmakers to return to their seats.
When they did not, proceedings were stopped until 1.10 pm.
The government said it had acted and was distributing corrected books.
The session is planned to last until October 3.
The Odisha Assembly’s nine-day Monsoon Session began on September 22 amid protests by opposition members.
BJD MLAs protested errors in newly distributed school textbooks and sought accountability from the education minister.
Congress MLAs demanded repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
The Speaker adjourned proceedings until 1.10 pm after protesters entered the well and raised slogans.
The session is scheduled to continue until October 3 and is expected to consider six key bills.
- Who
- BJD and Congress MLAs protested against the BJP-led Odisha government; the Speaker was Surama Padhy.
- What
- The Monsoon Session opened amid protests over the amended mining law and errors in school textbooks, leading to an adjournment.
- When
- The session began on September 22 and is scheduled to run until October 3.
- Where
- The protests took place in the Odisha Assembly in Bhubaneswar; BJD members later moved to Mahatma Gandhi Marg.
- Why
- BJD opposed textbook errors and Congress sought repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
Opposition parties
Government and BJP members
Textbook errors
Opposition parties
The Biju Janata Dal said the error-ridden books should be investigated and demanded the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
Government and BJP members
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Irasish Acharya said the government had taken action and was distributing corrected books, arguing that the disruption was unjustified.
Mining law amendment
Opposition parties
Indian National Congress MLAs demanded repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
Government and BJP members
The article does not specify the government’s detailed response to the Congress demand.
Assembly proceedings
Opposition parties
Biju Janata Dal and Indian National Congress MLAs entered the well and raised slogans over their concerns.
Government and BJP members
Speaker Surama Padhy appealed to them to return to their seats and then adjourned the House when they did not comply.
- Session duration
- Nine days, from September 22 through October 3
- Adjournment
- Proceedings were suspended until 1.10 pm
- Main protest issues
- Textbook errors and the amended mining law
- Expected legislative business
- Six key bills are expected to be introduced
- BJD demand
- Accountability and the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond
- Government response
- BJP MLA Irasish Acharya said action had been taken and corrected books were being distributed
- Opening proceedings
- The Assembly held obituary references to six former members and people killed in Nepal flash floods