Bhubaneswar, March 11 -- Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Congress MLA from Jeypore, has been suspended from the Odisha Legislative Assembly for seven days following a scuffle and exchange of fisticuffs during the proceedings.

The suspension was initiated based on a proposal by Ruling Party Chief Whip Saroj Pradhan and approved by Speaker Surama Padhy. She stated that Bahinipati's indecent behavior was unacceptable and detrimental to the decorum of the House. Padhy also condemned the conduct of both BJD and Congress legislators.

Protesting the Speaker's decision, Congress legislators wore black masks covering their faces during the House proceedings.

During the session, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan clarified BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra's ...