Opposition Disruption in Odisha Assembly Regarding Farmers and Law Enforcement Matters
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Synopsis
On February 14, the Odisha Assembly's budget session was disrupted by opposition parties, highlighting issues concerning farmers and law enforcement. The Speaker adjourned the House twice due to protests regarding the government's failure to address these critical matters.
Key Takeaways
- Opposition parties protested in Odisha Assembly.
- Concerns raised over law and order issues.
- Discussion on farmers' distress was sidelined.
- Katni Chhatni issue demanded by the Congress.
- BJP accused of misleading the public.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 14 (NationPress) The second day of the budget session in the Odisha Assembly on Friday was marked by a significant uproar from the opposition parties regarding multiple issues.
The chaos compelled Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the House twice, first until noon and then again until 4 p.m. As soon as the House proceedings commenced, members of the opposition Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) surged into the assembly well, vocally protesting against the perceived breakdown of law and order in the state, as well as the government's anti-farmer policies.
“Yesterday, we urged the Speaker to facilitate a discussion about the tragic deaths of 14 farmers due to crop loss during the recent unseasonal rainfall, as well as the farmers' protests regarding Katni Chhatni (unofficial price deductions by rice millers based on grain quality assessment) and the lack of paddy procurement. Unfortunately, the Speaker prioritized discussions on other matters, neglecting our proposal. The government has failed to honor its commitments to distressed farmers. We will persist with our protests until farmer issues are addressed,” stated BJD chief whip Pramila Mallik.
The opposition Congress also submitted an adjournment motion seeking deliberations on the Katni Chhatni issue. The party protested in the House over the worsening law and order situation in the state under the BJP administration.
“The double-engine government has not upheld the promises made to the citizens. We demand discussions on the challenges faced by farmers, such as the unfulfilled paddy procurement commitments and the Katni Chhatni issue, to take place today, but the government obstructed the House from functioning,” remarked Congress leader C.S. Raazen Ekka.
“We were prepared to respond to the motion presented by the opposition BJD and Congress, but they chose to disrupt the House. BJD and Congress lack a clear agenda and merely aim to mislead the public by creating a false narrative,” asserted BJP MLA Irasis Acharya.
