Surama Padhy, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The motion proposing her candidacy was put forth by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and seconded by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling during the 17th Assembly session. Following a voice vote, Padhy, aged 63, was declared the second female Speaker in the history of the Odisha Assembly. Her election marks a significant moment in her political career, having previously served as a Minister of State and represented the Ranpur constituency multiple times.
BulletsIn
- Surama Padhy elected unopposed as Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi proposed Padhy’s name; motion seconded by Mukesh Mahaling.
- Pro-tem Speaker Ranendra Pratap Swain declared Padhy elected after a voice vote.
- Padhy is the second female Speaker in the history of the Odisha Assembly.
- She expressed gratitude and humility upon assuming the role.
- Padhy pledged to uphold the dignity of the Speaker’s chair impartially.
- She was escorted to the chair by CM Majhi, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, and Deputy CMs.
- Padhy previously served as a Minister of State in Odisha and represented Ranpur constituency.
- Her political career spans leadership roles within the BJP in Odisha.
- Padhy won the 2024 election from Ranpur, defeating the BJD candidate by 15,544 votes.
