TV
The Speaker of Odisha Assembly, Surama Padhy on Thursday issued a stern warning against any disorderly conduct by the Opposition members during its upcoming session.
The third session of the 17th Legislative Assembly is to commence on February 13, with Odisha Governor supposedly to address the attendee Members on the opening day. The debate on the Governor’s address is scheduled to continue over the next two days.
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This session, which is expected to span 28 working days, sees the Speaker urging Opposition parties to provide constructive guidance that could contribute positively. She firmly stated that any unruly behaviour will be strictly dealt with.
“The ruling party (Government) will certainly present an annual budget. If the Opposition parties put up any constructive suggestions on any matter, those will definitely be useful. However, if they adopt any unruly means and create pandemonium during the upcoming Assembly session, their disorderly act will not be tolerated,” the Speaker said.
“The Opposition parties need to present constructive suggestions and play the role of an ‘Opposition’, which will immensely help take the State forward on the path of progress and development,” the Speaker opined.
On the other hand, Opposition chief whip, Pramila Mallick criticised the Assembly Speaker’s remarks, accusing her of attempting to stifle democratic discourse. “We will not be intimidated by such tactics,” she asserted.
“Opposition’s voice will not get suppressed due to such ‘Nali Akhi’ (intimidation). The parties will properly present the voice of the people in the Assembly. The Government’s faults, wherever found, will be brought to the fore,” Pramila Mallick stated.
Meanwhile, members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have remarked that the BJD appears to still believe they are governing, advising they maintain decorum after the previous session disruptions.
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The ruling party expressed that upholding order is crucial, viewing the Speaker's instructions as a significant approach to maintaining legislative conduct.
“It is the responsibility of the Speaker to smoothly run the Assembly. The BJD members created a ruckus during the last two sessions in such a manner that everyone felt the necessity of maintaining discipline,” Aska BJP MLA Saroj Kumar Padhi said.
Reported By: Jagdish Das, T Santosh
