The Odisha Legislative Assembly was adjourned for about an hour on Friday after a ruckus created by opposition Congress and BJD members over the controversial Polavaram Dam project in neighboring Andhra Pradesh.

As the session began, Congress legislators immediately rushed to the well of the House and staged a protest after their request for a discussion on the Polavaram issue was rejected by Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro. The protesting members shouted anti-BJP slogans, accusing the ruling party of sacrificing Odisha’s interests for political gains.

The BJD also voiced its strong opposition, with their members raising concerns against the BJP government’s handling of the project. The protest highlighted the growing tension between the state government and the Centre over the implications of the Polavaram project, which is expected to affect the flow of water in Odisha.

The Speaker’s decision to reject the motion sparked further outrage, resulting in the brief adjournment of the House to restore order.