Din over Mahanga double murder mars Odisha Assembly proceedings

Bhubaneswar: The second day of the Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes as Opposition BJP and Congress members created ruckus, resulting in adjournment of the House.

As the House assembled for the day, BJP and Congress members rushed to the Well and resorted to sloganeering. While BJP MLAs demanded removal of Minister Pratap Jena over his alleged involvement in the Mahanga double murder case, Congress members raised the drought matter.

Amid pandemonium, Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro initially adjourned the House till 11.30 AM and later till 4 PM. He also called for an all-party meeting to resolve the deadlock.

“Name of Pratap Jena has been mentioned in the FIR. The concerned court has directed to bring the minister under the purview of the investigation. We demand his removal from the post. We will continue to stage protest in the Assembly till our demands are met,” said Opposition Chief Whip and BJP leader Mohan Majhi outside the House.

Speaking to mediapersons, Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja said, “The Revenue and Disaster Management Minister should reply on the drought issue instead of the Agriculture Minister. We had yesterday staged a walkout expressing dissatisfaction over the reply of the Agriculture Minister.”

On the other hand, Government Chief Whip Pramila Mallick said the government is ready for any kind of discussion related to the issue of the farmers.