Bhubaneswar: At a time when voices of dissent are growing within the Congress over Tara Prasad Bahinipati's move to bring a breach of privilege motion against OTV for a factual report the channel telecast, senior leader Sarat Rout today categorically stated that the Congress doesn’t back such motion.
Moreover, Rout further alleged that it was ‘sponsored’ by the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bahinipati was made a pawn in the entire episode.
“Even though a Congress MLA has moved the privilege motion against OTV, the party doesn’t support it which has already been clarified by PCC president and other leaders. As MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati has brought the motion on the basis of the special powers that he enjoys as a legislator; now it’s up to the Speaker,” said Rout.
It is a sponsored event by ruling BJD and it wants to muzzle the voice of media as it has been targeting OTV since long. We condemn such attempts by ruling party to muzzle the voice of media, said Rout.
“When leaders or the government feels insecure, they indulge in such acts. But the way Congress is being dragged unnecessarily is unfortunate as the party has always worked to uphold the dignity of institutions as well as democracy,” Rout added.
Not only Rout, several other leaders from Bahinipati’s own constituency have also expressed their displeasure over such approach of the legislator.
"People very well know the attitude and behaviour of the person, who has moved the breach of privilege motion in Odisha Assembly. As a resident of Jeypore, we feel ashamed by such act of Tara Prasad Bahinipati as he has used the Congress for his personal gains," said chief of Congress Seva Dal, Biren Mohan Patnayak.
BJP has also raised questions on the legality of the breach of the privilege motion moved by the Opposition party chief whip. The people, who tried to influence the Odisha Assembly speaker, have tarnished the image of the House, alleged BJP spokesperson, Pitambar Acharya.
“Such kind of intentional act against media is a threat for democracy and they will have to face the consequences,” said Acharya.