The current short session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly (OLA) is unusually quiet.

There is no fire or fizz like the last winter session of the House.

The last session was tumultuous, leading to a premature sine die of the House and later “unilateral session” by the opposition.

Shouts and scuffles were frequent occurrences.

In contrast the present Vote-on-Account session is continuing on a sober note.

More than half of the short 8-days’ session is over yet no spark is in evidence, so far sobriety is the name of the game.

Seasoned legislators say however that absence of fizz has not undermined effectiveness of debates.

There is greater seriousness regarding discussion on major issues like Mining Scam, Power Shortage and Sexual Abuse in Residential Schools.

Interestingly through debates the well prepared opposition is able to expose the shortcomings of the Government, admitted a senior BJD Lawmaker.

Recent debate of Poverty of Odisha has exposed the State Government’s effort to cover up the fact that Odisha has the highest poverty ratio in the country.

A well informed opposition could rubbish the Government’s claim to the contrary with hard facts, admitted he.

Many new and inexperienced ministers were found faltering while answering questions from determined opposition, which is in a mood to browbeat the Government.

During question hours a few ministers were found in dock and Speaker Pradeep Kumar Amat came to their rescue on several occasions.

A young minister said that he felt safer when disturbances fill debates.

With the House is running smoothly and debates are going on, they face unpleasant situation, admitted he.

More debates and discussions has helped many younger lawmakers to participate in the deliberations, which was absent in the earlier session.

Many MLAs are raising issues and problems of their constituencies in the House.

And they are able to ventilate the people’s grievance in right spirit, said Kalpataru Das, a senior BJD Lawmaker.

This time we have bonhomie and a ‘feel good’ factor is ruling the House, said he.