Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22 (UDN): The opening day of the Odisha Legislative Assembly’s Monsoon Session witnessed a stormy start on Tuesday as persistent protests by Opposition members disrupted proceedings, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House until 1:10 pm.

The Assembly initially began on a solemn note with members paying tribute to former public representatives and victims of the recent floods in Nepal through obituary references.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi moved condolence motions in memory of former ministers Damburudhar Majhi, Sushant Singh, Ramamurthy Gamango, Haji Mohammed Ayub Khan, Sibaji Majhi, and former Government Chief Whip Satya Bhusan Sahu. The Opposition joined the tribute, and members observed a moment of silence in honour of the departed.

The atmosphere changed soon after the Question Hour commenced, when Opposition legislators raised slogans and protested over several issues, including the MMDR Amendment Bill and alleged errors in school textbooks.

As the protests intensified, the Speaker was unable to conduct business and adjourned the proceedings until 1:10 pm.

The disruption meant the House could not take up its scheduled agenda during the morning sitting, with legislative business remaining stalled amid continued Opposition protests.