Surama Padhy Elected as Odisha Assembly Speaker

In a historic move, senior BJP leader Surama Padhy has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Odisha Assembly, becoming only the second woman to hold this prestigious position. Padhy, a two-term MLA from the Ranpur constituency in Nayagarh district, assumed office unopposed during a special session of the Assembly.

Unanimous Election and Special Session

Surama Padhy’s election as Speaker was uncontested, marking a significant moment for the BJP, which recently assumed governance in Odisha. Pro-tem Speaker R P Swain officiated the proceedings, formally handing over the responsibilities to Padhy amidst congratulatory messages from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and other dignitaries.

A Moment of Achievement: Second Woman Speaker

Padhy’s appointment follows the BJP’s recent electoral success in Odisha and underscores her leadership in the Ranpur constituency. She succeeds Pramila Mallick of the BJD as the second woman to preside over the Odisha Assembly.

Commitment to Neutrality and Cooperation

In her acceptance speech, Surama Padhy expressed gratitude and emphasized her commitment to upholding the dignity and impartiality of the Assembly. She called for cooperation from all members to ensure the smooth functioning of the legislative process.

Leadership Acknowledgements

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised Padhy’s election, highlighting her community leadership and expressing confidence in her ability to manage the Assembly with fairness. Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik also extended congratulations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among members under Padhy’s stewardship.

Odisha: Key Points

Capital: Bhubaneswar

Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi

Speaker of the Assembly: Surama Padhy (as of the latest update)

State Dance: Odissi, a classical dance form known for its graceful movements and expressions.

Traditional Cuisine: Odia cuisine is known for its rich variety and flavors. Some popular dishes include Pakhala (fermented rice), Dalma (mixed lentils and vegetables), Machha Besara (fish curry), and Chhena Poda (a type of cheese dessert).

Establishment: Odisha was established as a state on April 1, 1936.

Language: Odia is the official language.

Governor: The Governor of Odisha is responsible for the state’s executive actions.

Economy: The state’s economy is based on agriculture, industry (including minerals and metals), and tourism.

Tourist Attractions: Odisha is known for its ancient temples (such as the Jagannath Temple in Puri), scenic beaches (like Puri and Konark), and wildlife sanctuaries (like Simlipal National Park).

Festivals: The state celebrates various festivals, with Rath Yatra (chariot festival of Lord Jagannath) being one of the most prominent.