President Murmu’s Emotional Homecoming As She Becomes First President To Address Odisha Assembly
Visit to her old ministerial chamber adds a personal touch to a historic opening of the Winter Session: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: President Droupadi Murmu will return to a familiar address on Thursday—the Odisha Legislative Assembly, where her political journey first took shape over two decades ago. In a landmark moment, she will become the first sitting President of India to address the House, lending an emotional and historic dimension to the opening day of the Winter Session.
Following her address, President Murmu is scheduled to visit Chamber No. 11, the small but significant office she once occupied as Odisha’s transport minister between 2000 and 2004. The room has been freshly refurbished, restoring the atmosphere of her formative political years. Officials say the chamber’s quiet corridors have suddenly stirred with nostalgia.
“This is going to be a historic moment for all of us. For the first time, a President will address the Odisha Legislative Assembly. We are eager to hear her insights drawn from her long journey—from legislator to governor to the highest office of the Republic,” parliamentary affairs minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling informed on Wednesday evening.
The government has also invited several former MLAs and ministers who served alongside Murmu during her stint in the Assembly, hoping to make the occasion “meaningful and memorable.”
Before assuming the presidency, Murmu served with distinction as the Governor of Jharkhand, earning recognition for her administrative integrity and empathy-driven leadership.
The Winter Session itself promises to be momentous. With the President’s presence, the Assembly is preparing for a carefully choreographed ceremony that is expected to highlight Odisha’s developmental priorities, governance challenges, and cultural heritage.
On Wednesday, Speaker Surama Padhy chaired an all-party meeting, urging members to maintain decorum and ensure smooth proceedings. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo, parliamentary affairs minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, law minister Prithviraj Harichandan, government chief whip Saroj Pradhan, Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik, and Congress Legislature Party Leader Ramchandra Kadam attended.
Security in the capital has been significantly tightened. The Commissionerate Police has issued traffic restrictions across key routes in Bhubaneswar for the duration of the Winter Session—from November 27 to December 31—under the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003. Several roads leading to the Assembly will remain closed or diverted to ensure a smooth and secure environment for the proceedings.
President Murmu’s address is expected to set the tone for a politically vibrant winter—one that begins with history, memory, and a return to where it all began.
