Who is running the government in Odisha, questioned Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jayanarayan Mishra on Monday during Zero Hour in Odisha Assembly. It becomes obvious when such question are raised by the opposition, but this time, the question has been raised by BJD MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, claimed Mishra.
Drawing insights from Patnaik’s statements, Mishra stated that ministers are finding it difficult to meet the CM and there are 'super-ministers' over the ministers and the state government is dependent on consultants. Similarly, nobody seems to be adhering to book circular 47 of the Assembly and it is the responsibility of the Chief Minister to provide security to us, said Mishra while demanding stern action against those violating it.
“Even the ruling party leaders are also asking who is running the government here. The secretaries are more powerful than the ministers. The consultants are now the owners and it is strange that the ministers are not getting to meet the CM,” said Mishra.
It is pertinent to mention here that the BJD MLA while addressing a programme had made some statements which have now triggered a debate in the state. The MLA had stated that it is almost impossible to meet the CM and the people of the state are confused over whether the ministers are powerful or the secretaries.
Responding to the allegations levelled by the Opposition, Senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik said, “Have they (opposition) not seen the CM? CM is running the government and it seems that they have closed their eyes. We are meeting the CM and don’t know who is not able to meet.”
In another development, BJD’s former MLA Anubhav Patnaik has slammed Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik for criticising the state government and administration.
“Only after losing elections for four times, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik got BJD ticket after falling on feet of Naveen Patnaik. What he (Soumya) has done for the interest of the people of his constituency? He is now trying to use others for his own gain,” tweeted BJD ex-MLA Anubhav Patnaik.
(Reported by Harihar Chand)