Bhubaneswar: The second day of the winter session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes as Opposition members created ruckus over the issue of the State Government allowing transfer of land by tribals.

As the House assembled for the day, BJP legislators rushed to the Well holding banners and resorted to sloganeering. Congress members also opposed the move of the government.

Amid pandemonium, Speaker Pramila Mallik adjourned the House till 12 pm and convened an all-party meeting to resolve the deadlock. However, the ruckus prevailed after the House reassembled, following which the Speaker adjourned it till 4 pm.

"Land belonging to tribals is not secure these days. Their agricultural land is being grabbed on the pretext of industries and mines. The BJP demanded withdrawal of the decision of the government regarding the transfer of land by tribals. We had moved a motion demanding cancellation of all legislative business for holding special discussion in this regard. However, the Speaker rejected our demand. This is a sensitive issue. The tribals might become landless in the future," said Mohan Majhi, Opposition Chief Whip and BJP MLA, while speaking to reporters outside the House.

Similarly, Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, while speaking to media persons, said, "Banks in Odisha are not providing loans to the tribals. The BJD and BJP parties are anti-tribal. The decision taken by the State Government will affect the tribals adversely."

Notably, the Odisha Cabinet had approved amendments to some provisions of Regulation-2 of Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property Amendment Regulation to facilitate the transfer and mortgage of land belonging to scheduled tribes (STs).

After the move drew strong criticism from the Opposition parties, the government later withheld its decision.