Farmers’ issue rocks Odisha Assembly as adjournments mar House proceedings

Bhubaneswar: The second day of the Winter Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly today witnessed uproarious scenes as both ruling and opposition members created ruckus in the House over farmers’ issues, resulting in multiple adjournments.

As the House assembled for the day, several MLAs of BJD, BJP and Congress rushed to the Well during the Question Hour.

Amid pandemonium caused by the members, Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha initially adjourned the House till 11.30 AM and later till 4 PM as the ruckus prevailed even after reassembling of the House.

The BJP MLAs were seen protesting outside the Assembly holding posters and banners while the BJD legislators staged dharna near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the premises and later marched towards the Raj Bhawan here to submit a memorandum to the Governor.

Speaking to reporters, the BJP members said the famers in the state are suffering due to Odisha Government’s delay in providing input subsidy and irregularities at mandis.

Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja targeted the State Government over input subsidy and mandi issues while coming down heavily on the Central Government over crop insurance delay matter.

The BJD members, on the other hand, submitted a memorandum to the Governor holding the Central Government responsible for delay in crop insurance.

They also said that a resolution was unanimously passed in Assembly to provide Rs 2930 as MSP for paddy but the Centre has not implemented it.

Minister Pramila Mallik also criticised the Central Government alleging misappropriation of funds in the Fasal Bima Yojana and lack of fertilizers for farmers.