Early closure of House session sparks criticism

The Winter Session of the Assembly was adjourned sine die Tuesday, 18 days ahead of its scheduled conclusion December 31.

- ARINDAM GANGULY, OP

This early adjournment reflects a troubling trend in the functioning of the state legislature, with truncated sessions becoming increasingly common under both the current BJP and former BJD governments. While the reasons vary, such early closures often highlight the delicate political dynamics between the ruling party and the Opposition, as well as strategic decisions in managing legislative affairs.

The practice of early adjournment has become a pattern in Odisha, with the mandated 60 sitting days per calendar year increasingly treated as an exception rather than the norm.

In 2025 alone, the Assembly witnessed two early adjournments under the BJP government, which took office in June 2024. The Monsoon Session, which began September 18, was adjourned sine die just a week later September 25, a day before its scheduled conclusion. Similarly, the Winter Session was cut short after only 11 working days, far ahead of its planned end date of December 31.