Special Session of Odisha Assembly Begins, CM Mohan Majhi, Ex-CM Naveen Patnaik Take Oath

Bhubaneswar: The Special Session of Odisha Legislative Assembly began on Tuesday for administering oaths to the newly elected MLAs. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi first took oath as MLA following which two Deputy CMs — KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida — were administered oath by the Pro-tem Speaker Ranendra Pratap Swain.

Former CM and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, who won from Hinjili seat, also took oath along with several other of his party MLAs.

As per reports, all 147 MLAs are scheduled to be administered oath on June 18 and June 19. The Speaker election is scheduled for June 20.

This time, the BJP has formed a government by defeating the BJD which ruled the state for 24 years. The saffron party won 78 of 147 seats. Its number in the Assembly has risen to 81 after three Independent MLAs extended support to the party.

BJP’s Digapahandi MLA Sidhant Mohapatra, who is an established Odia movie actor, was the cynosure of everyone in the Assembly premises as he reached the place on a bicycle.

“I always love to ride my bicycle to send out a message to the public about the urgent need of protecting Mother Earth from pollution. We can also use public transport, bicycles if we have to cover a short distance. There is no need for law; rather, cooperation of all is needed,” said Mohapatra.

Newly elected BJP MLA from Satyabadi, Om Prakash Mishra said, “The way people have supported me, it is time to repay them. As there are basic problems of irrigation, drinking water and other issues, I will ensure drinking water reaches the doorstep of people. Panchayat-wise target is being fixed. As people from Kanas migrate to other parts of the country including Surat in search of work, I will try to provide them jobs here.”

Korei MLA Akash Das Nayak said, “It is important for me to take oath as MLA as we took a new step towards fulfilling the dream of a developed Korei and Odisha. It is time to take oath on how we can work for Odisha and our own constituency. Odisha Legislative Assembly is the place where we can raise voice and under PM Modi and CM Mohan Majhi’s leadership; we will work dedicatedly towards a developed Odisha,” said

BJD MLA from Deogarh, Romancha Ranjan Biswal said, “Our party supremo today also told us to serve people. We have a crucial meeting of the legislature party and we will discuss several issues. Whatever decision is taken by the party, we will abide by it. Victory or defeat happens in elections and the senior leaders will review all aspects.”

In her reaction, BJD MLA from Basta, Subasini Jena said, “I will try to serve people in a better and efficient manner cutting across party lines.”