Nine Working Days Scheduled Between September 22 and October 3
Global Times News | INDIA ; GTNS
SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 , BHUBANESWAR: With the Odisha Legislative Assembly preparing to begin its seventh session of the 17th Assembly, Speaker Surama Padhy on Monday chaired an all-party meeting to discuss the conduct of the House and ensure that issues affecting the people of the state receive adequate space during the proceedings.
The session is scheduled to commence on September 22 and continue until October 3, 2026. Although the session spans 12 calendar days, the legislative programme provides for nine working days. The official Odisha Legislative Assembly portal lists the seventh session of the 17th Assembly for the September 22–October 3 period.
The meeting held ahead of the session focused on maintaining orderly proceedings, coordinating legislative business and enabling members across parties to raise matters concerning their constituencies and the wider public.
Speaker Surama Padhy sought cooperation from representatives of the ruling and Opposition parties so that the House can function without unnecessary disruption and provide sufficient opportunity for debate.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the meeting along with Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling.
Representatives of the Opposition and different political groups were also present, including Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya, ruling party Chief Whip Saroj Pradhan, BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, BJD legislator Pratap Keshari Deb and Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Das.
The pre-session discussions come at a time when the Opposition is preparing to raise a number of issues during the short monsoon sitting. Among the subjects expected to receive attention is the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, along with other matters concerning the state’s interests. The precise business to be taken up will follow the Assembly’s approved procedures and agenda.
The government has indicated that several legislative proposals are expected during the session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling said around five to six Bills were being planned, with the Business Advisory Committee determining the detailed course of House business.
For the Opposition, the session is also an opportunity to put public issues on the Assembly record. Reported areas of concern include the MMDR amendment, textbook-related issues, law and order and matters affecting farmers and women.
The all-party meeting therefore assumes significance beyond the formalities of a pre-session consultation. It places the emphasis on how the Assembly’s limited working days can be used for questions, legislative scrutiny and discussion of issues raised by elected representatives.
With the House scheduled to meet from Tuesday, attention now shifts from the pre-session consultations to the actual proceedings and the issues that will shape the nine working days of the seventh session.
Global Times News | INDIA ; GTNS NEWS DESK
SEPTEMBER 21, 2026