Odisha assembly pays tribute to departed legislators

Bhubaneswar: The assembly reconvened on Thursday for a brief one-week monsoon session, with the opening day dedicated to obituary references for departed legislators and public servants.

Proceedings were adjourned after tributes were paid to sitting member Rajendra Dholakia and six former members of the House.The fourth session of the 17th Assembly commenced with speaker Surama Padhy arriving at the House at 11 am.Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi moved a condolence motion, expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Dholakia and other distinguished public figures. He recalled the contributions of former deputy speaker Bibhuti Bhushan Singh Mardaraj, as well as former legislators Prasanna Pattnayak, Karendra Majhi, Niranjan Hembram, Prafulla Bhanja, and Mohammad Rafique.

The motion also acknowledged the service of deceased personnel from Odisha Police and IR Battalion.Deputy leader of the opposition, Prasanna Acharya, and Congress legislative party leader Ramchandra Kadam supported the motion, joining in to convey condolences to the bereaved families. Padhy recalled the legacy and public service of the departed members.The House observed a moment of silence in their memory, and the speaker assured that official condolences would be formally conveyed to the families.