High tragedy in Odisha Assembly; BJP condemns indiscipline, behaviour of BJD MPs in House

Once again, the Odisha Assembly session witnessed noisy scenes over the Chikiti liquor tragedy in which two people were killed.

The opposition BJD MLAs created a ruckus and were seen trying to climb on the dais of the Speaker. The BJD members demanded the resignation of the State Excise Minister. However, the behaviour of BJD MLAs in the House has been condemned. Two BJD MLAs – Madhab Dhada and Romancha Ranjan Biswal – tried to climb on the dais of the Speaker. Similarly, other members of BJD and Congress were seen shouting slogans in the well of the House.

In addition, female members of parliament are said to have tried to block the path of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“This is nothing but indiscipline. They have no interest in raising people’s grievances. Unfortunately, the opposition members are trying to delay the sitting. The opposition demanded an RDC inquiry and it was ordered. However, their attempts are to delay the House,” BJP MLA Purna Sethi said.

Congress MP Pabitra Saunta said, “When we ask about the liquor trade, the government is unable to answer. Several persons have died and others have been affected by the liquor tragedy in Chikiti. It is a situation that is not limited to a particular area but the entire state. We have been demanding action but in the absence of any response, we were forced to stage such a demonstration. We will continue our protest.”

When asked about such behaviour by opposition members, the Congressman-Chairman said, “Whoever is the chairman, we will protest within the existing provisions if anything wrong is done.”

After the commotion, the chairman adjourned the meeting until 11.30 am.

Opposition leader Pramila Mallik said: “The government is alleging many things, including the actions of the liquor mafia. Who will stop them? They have a connection with the mafia. The current government itself cannot do anything. They are just busy changing the names of the plans of the previous government.”

Congress leader Ram Chandra Kadam of the CLP said, “We had demanded the resignation of the Excise Minister on moral grounds. Alcohol deaths are increasing in the state and it is not limited to any particular area.”

Senior journalist Prasanna Mohanty said, “This is the first test for the newly formed BJP government and it is a sensitive issue that has arisen in Chikiti. BJD had moved an adjournment motion yesterday and Congress did the same today. The Odisha government is also in action mode and several arrests have been made and several officials have been suspended.”

It seems that the opposition members will make an issue out of it. “A new management on the floor was also seen when BJD and Congress MLAs acted together during their opposition today. However, the behaviour of MLAs in the House is not justified as the opposition could have raised their points and cornered the government by participating in the discussion,” Mohanty added.