Bhubaneswar: Surama Padhy, a seasoned politician and two-time MLA from Ranpur, has been elected as the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Her elevation to this prestigious position came through unanimous support from all quarters, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political landscape.
Padhy’s candidacy for the Speakership received overwhelming backing after no other nominations were filed by any political party, thus securing her position unopposed. She now follows in the footsteps of Pramila Mallik to become only the second woman to hold the esteemed post in the history of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
The formal announcement of Surama Padhy’s election was made following her nomination on Wednesday, a ceremony graced by the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy CMs K V Singhdeo, Pravati Parida, and several BJP MLAs. Chief Minister Majhi reportedly garnered support from BJD president Naveen Patnaik, underscoring the collaborative approach across party lines.
Surama Padhy’s political journey spans nearly two decades, having first secured her seat in the Odisha Assembly from the Ranpur constituency in Nayagarh district back in 2004 under the BJP banner. Her experience includes serving as a minister of state during the BJD-BJP coalition government in Odisha from 2004 to 2009, reflecting her deep-rooted commitment to public service and governance.
The elevation of Surama Padhy to the Speaker’s position not only marks a personal achievement but also underscores the evolving role of women in leadership within Odisha’s political sphere. Her election is viewed as a testament to her leadership qualities, legislative acumen, and dedication to upholding the principles of democracy and parliamentary proceedings.
As Odisha continues its journey towards inclusive governance and equitable representation, Surama Padhy’s appointment is expected to usher in a new era of legislative stewardship marked by integrity, transparency, and effective governance.