Budget Session of Odisha Assembly: Treasury Bench versus Opposition

Bhaskar Parichha

The Odisha Assembly’s Budget session has begun on July 22 and will run until September 13. On July 25, Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will present the budget for the 2024–25 fiscal year in the Assembly. This session marked the first one following the establishment of the new government in Odisha. The BJD and Congress will be up against the ruling BJP party in the Assembly in the coming days.

The budget session kicked off with the Governor’s address. There has been a commotion surrounding the alleged attack on ASO Baikuntha Pradhan at Puri Raj Bhavan. As expected, there was a disruption during the Governor’s address in the House and the opposition staged a walkout. It is anticipated that there will be turmoil in the Assembly during the upcoming session, particularly in relation to the incident during the Adapa Mandapa Pahandi of Lord Balabhadra in Puri, the color change of LAccMI buses, and the renaming of the Biju Patnaik Sports Award (the decision has since been withdrawn).

New Opposition
The new opposition – with a solid majority since years, is expected to bring fresh perspectives, ideas, and challenges to the ruling party, injecting a renewed sense of vibrancy and energy into the legislative process. With a stronger opposition, debates and discussions in the Assembly are likely to become more intense and engaging, leading to more thorough scrutiny of government policies and decisions. This shift in dynamics is anticipated to result in a more balanced and accountable governance in Odisha, ultimately benefiting the state and its people.

The Assembly is poised to witness a new era of democracy and transparency, as the opposition plays a crucial role in holding the government accountable and ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard and represented.

The BJD, as a major political party in the state, still holds significant influence and power to exert pressure on the government to ensure continuous delivery of services and policies. However, the party may also face counter-pressure from the BJP, which has been vocal about corruption during the previous administration.

This dynamic between the two parties could potentially impact the decision-making process and governance in the state. It remains to be seen how the BJD will navigate these competing pressures and prioritize the interests of the people in their governance approach.

Shadow Cabinet
The shadow cabinet established by Naveen Patnaik has the potential to wield considerable power, depending on how effectively it is organized and utilized. A shadow cabinet is typically made up of opposition party members who are assigned specific portfolios to scrutinize and hold the government accountable for its actions.

If the shadow cabinet is able to effectively monitor the government’s performance, propose alternative policies, and communicate its criticisms to the public, it can play a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing government decisions. Additionally, a well-functioning shadow cabinet can help to build credibility for the opposition party and demonstrate its readiness to govern.

However, the power of a shadow cabinet ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including the strength of the opposition party, the political climate, and the willingness of the government to engage with its critics. In the case of Naveen Patnaik’s shadow cabinet, whose impact will likely be influenced by the dynamics of Odisha politics and the specific strategies employed by its members.

As the Chief Minister, Mohan Majhi, has to handle the House alongside the Cabinet by providing guidance and support to the new ministers. He has to ensure that they are well-prepared for their roles and responsibilities, and he encourages open communication and collaboration within the Cabinet.

Majhi’s Mentorship
Additionally, the CM has to provide mentorship to the new ministers to help them navigate the legislative process and effectively represent their constituents. It is only by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that the new CM can help the new ministers to acclimate to their positions and contribute to the overall functioning of the House and the Cabinet.

The main hurdles that CM Mohan Majhi must overcome during the session include the popularity and influence of the Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik, as well as potential resistance from the public to change and new leadership. To successfully appeal to the masses, Majhi and the BJP government can focus on addressing the needs and priorities of the people, delivering tangible results, and effectively communicating their policies and initiatives.

The BJP government can and should work on building alliances and partnerships with key stakeholders, as well as engaging in grassroots outreach and community development efforts. Furthermore, they can emphasize their track record at the center and experience in governance and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.