Opposition to Raise Tribal Land Transfer Issue in Odisha Assembly Winter Session

The opposition BJP and Congress will make the tribal land transfer to non-ST people a major issue in the winter session of the Odisha Assembly which commences on Tuesday.

The winter session of the Odisha Assembly commences on Tuesday, and the opposition BJP and Congress are set to make the tribal land transfer to non-ST people a major issue. On November 14, the state Cabinet decided to amend a law, allowing the Scheduled Tribe (ST) people to transfer their land to non-tribals with permission from the state government. However, the government withheld the decision two days later.

BJP to Raise Issue in Assembly

BJP chief whip in Assembly Mohan Majhi told reporters on Monday that the party will raise the issue in the House and demand the withdrawal of the proposed legislation. He termed the move as "anti-tribal” and alleged that the government has hatched a conspiracy to transfer tribal lands to mafias, businessmen, and contractors to make the ST people landless.

"If the government does not withdraw the proposed legislation, we will hold demonstrations across the state,” Majhi said.

Congress to Raise Tribal Land Issue

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Narasingh Mishra said his party would raise the issue of tribal land besides unemployment, corruption, price hikes, and "deteriorating” law and order in the Assembly.

Government to Prepare Strategy

Government Chief Whip Prasant Mudlui said the BJD Legislature Party meeting will be held on Tuesday morning where the strategy for the winter session will be prepared.

The tribal land transfer issue is likely to be a major flashpoint in the winter session of the Odisha Assembly. The opposition BJP and Congress are likely to corner the government on the issue and demand the withdrawal of the proposed legislation. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the opposition’s demands.