LOP question row: Logjam continues in Odisha Assembly

Odisha Sun Times Bureau 
Bhubaneswar, May 5: 

Speaker Niranjan Pujari today adjourned proceeding of Odisha Assembly till 3 PM as stalemate continued between the treasury and the opposition benches.

While opposition Congress and BJP members shouted slogans over Biju Janata Dal’s alleged chit fund connections and demanded resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the ruling party MLAs continued to shout slogans seeking an apology from Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra for his questions.

Congress Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati was seen attempting to say something soon after the question hour started, however, he was unable to do so amidst pandemonium. Even though Bahinipati sat down and opposition members stopped sloganeering, the ruling party members continued to demand Mishra’s apology forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House.

“We wanted a debate. The ruling party is running away from it. Instead of replying to the questions of the Leader of Opposition, they are creating ruckus in the House. Leader of Opposition wanted to make a statement yesterday; however, he was not allowed to speak. BJD is involved in chit fund scam and we want the Chief Minister to resign,” said Bahinipati speaking to reporters outside the Assembly.

Ruling Biju Janata Dal, on the other hand, maintained that it would not back down from its demand.

“Leader of Opposition Mishra asked those questions with an intention to defame our party and our leader. Yesterday, we made it clear that the Purna Chandra Padhi, who is in jail in connection with AT chit fund scam, has nothing to do with BJD. We also issued enough proof to prove that he was wrong. He has not apologised for it since. As we had said yesterday, we would not let him speak until he apologises,” said BJD MLA and Spokesperson Pratap Jena.