Decorum in the Odisha Assembly — When Democracy Risks Becoming Theatre
By : Sashi Sekhar Samanta
The strength of a democracy lies not merely in elections, but in the conduct of its institutions. The Odisha Legislative Assembly represents the collective voice of the people of Odisha. It is a sacred forum where laws are debated, policies are scrutinized, and the aspirations of millions are articulated. When the dignity of such an institution is compromised, it is not merely a matter of political embarrassment — it is a matter of public concern.
Recent disruptions and theatrical behavior inside the Assembly have raised questions about the seriousness with which some elected representatives approach their responsibilities. While passionate debate is the lifeblood of democracy, mockery, exaggerated dramatics, and personal grandstanding reduce the House to spectacle. When an MLA behaves more like a performer seeking headlines than a legislator seeking solutions, the credibility of the institution suffers.
The Assembly is not a stage for entertainment. It is a platform for accountability. Citizens expect their representatives to raise pressing issues — unemployment, rural distress, infrastructure gaps, women’s safety, disaster preparedness — with clarity and commitment. When discussions devolve into shouting matches or symbolic stunts, valuable legislative time is lost, and governance slows.
It is important to distinguish between protest and parody. Protest has a legitimate place in parliamentary tradition. Throughout Indian political history, opposition members have used walkouts, slogan-shouting, and symbolic gestures to register dissent. However, when such actions cross into ridicule or disruptive theatrics, they undermine the seriousness of public service.
Political competition is natural. Political drama is tempting. But governance demands maturity. The people of Odisha deserve representatives who debate fiercely yet respectfully, criticize sharply yet constructively, and oppose strongly yet responsibly.
The Speaker of the House, party leaderships, and senior legislators share responsibility for maintaining decorum. Internal party discipline must ensure that momentary publicity does not replace long-term credibility. Legislators must remember that every act inside the Assembly is recorded not just in proceedings, but in public memory.
Democracy thrives on disagreement, but it depends on dignity. The Odisha Assembly has historically produced thoughtful debates and respected leaders. It must not allow isolated incidents of theatrical behavior to overshadow its institutional strength.
The real performance expected from an MLA is not in dramatic gestures, but in effective legislation, meaningful debate, and tangible development for constituents. The electorate watches closely — and ultimately, it is the people who deliver the final verdict.
