Opposition Parties Boycott Odisha MLA Training

In Odisha, a two-day training program for newly-elected MLAs, inaugurated by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, has sparked controversy as opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, boycotted the event. The BJD criticized the program for violating parliamentary protocol by being inaugurated by a Union minister rather than the Chief Minister, Mohan Majhi, and announced its own training session for first-time MLAs. Congress echoed similar concerns over protocol, emphasizing respect for the Chief Minister's authority. Rijiju expressed disappointment over the politicization of the training, which aimed to educate new legislators on assembly procedures and best practices. The absence of key opposition figures, including the Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, highlights the ongoing political tensions within the assembly. Despite the boycott, the training proceeded with attendance primarily from BJP MLAs, who received guidance on maintaining decorum and discipline in the House.