Hooch tragedy heat in Odisha Assembly; BJP condemns indiscipline and behaviour of BJD MLAs inside House

Once again the proceedings of the Odisha Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes over Chikiti hooch tragedy in which two persons lost their lives.

The Opposition BJD MLAs created ruckus and were seen trying to climb onto the Speaker’s podium. The BJD members are demanding 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 atop the Speaker’s podium. Similarly, other members of BJD and Congress were seen raising slogans in the well of the House.

Apart from this, woman MLAs allegedly tried to obstruct the path of the Speaker.

“This is nothing but indiscipline. They do not have an interest in putting forth people’s grievances. Unfortunately, the opposition members are trying to stall the Assembly proceedings. The Opposition was demanding an RDC probe, and it was ordered. However, their attempts are to stall the House,” said BJP MLA Purna Sethi.

Congress MLA Pabitra Saunta said, “When we are asking about liquor trade, the government is unable to provide an answer. Several persons have died and others were affected in the hooch tragedy in Chikiti. It is a situation not only confined to a particular area but across the state. We have been demanding action on this, but as no answer was given we were forced to stage such demonstration. We will continue with our protest.”

When asked about such behaviour of Opposition members to gherao Speaker, the Congress MLA said, “Whoever is the Speaker, we will stage protest within the existing provisions if there is any wrong done.”

Following the ruckus, the Speaker adjourned the House till 11:30 am.

Opposition chief whip, Pramila Mallik said, “The government is claiming a lot of things including action of liquor mafia. Who is stopping them? They have a nexus with the mafia. The present government cannot do anything of its own. They are only busy in changing names of previous government’s schemes.”

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

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

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