Kotia row, fuel price hike stall Odisha Assembly Budget Session on 1st day

Bhubaneswar: Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly (OLA) began on a stormy note today as Opposition members disrupted the House proceedings with their protest over various issues, including Kotia jurisdiction dispute, fuel price hike and Mandi problem.

Soon after Governor Ganeshi Lal began his speech, Congress legislators staged protest over Kotia jurisdiction dispute with Andhra Pradesh and petrol price hike.  They also protested against the law and order situation in the state. After Congress, BJP members also joined the protest. Later, all members of both the parties staged walkout from the House.

Later, the Governor moved condolence motion to pay homage for the passing away of Surendra Nath Mishra, ex-member, Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, ex-Warrant Officer (GD), Assam Rifles, Yajna Narayan Kar, ex-SPR/EBR, 106 Engineer Regiment, Western Command, Krushna Chandra Panda, Ex-Subedar, 14 Bihar Regiment and all Corona Warriors, who laid down their lives for the service of the people during COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Highlighting different progressive works, Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal said the state government is fully committed to develop all regions of the state and empower all sections of the people.

“Despite the severe impact of Covid-19 on revenue, the state has been able to achieve positive growth in its own revenue, which is an indication of recovery in economic activities in the state,” said the Governor.

He said the state government has been able to collect its revenue amounting to Rs 38,760 crore by the end of January, 2021, which is about 7.3 per cent more than the collection during the corresponding period of the previous year.

He said the overall law and order situation in the state remained peaceful during 2020 while police successfully handled the Covid-19 situation.

49 police personnel have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty during Covid-19, he added.

“My government has been able to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic very effectively, which resulted in containing the spread of the virus, creating proper medical facilities for treatment of the affected and saving precious human lives,” said the Governor.

During motion of thanks, BJP members again staged protest over Kotia row. The legislators went to the Well of the House and raised slogans.

Later, Speaker adjourned the House till 10.30 AM tomorrow following laying  of Assented Bills by the Secretary of OLA.

(With agency inputs)

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