Bhubaneswar: The Congress and BJP today opposed the government's decision to start the monsoon session of Odisha Assembly from September 7, a day after Western Odisha's mass festival Nuakhai.
The Opposition parties alleged that it is not a fair decision to begin the session from a date when the people of western Odisha are in a festive mood.
"Chief Minister has humiliated the people of western Odisha. He has hurt the sentiments of the people as Nuakhai is the mass festival of this area", Leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra told media persons.
BJP has also urged the Speaker to extend the date by a day at least. "This is happening due to a leadership who has no love for Odisha's culture and tradition. We have urged the Speaker to extend the date by one day”, BJP state unit chief Basant Panda said.
However, BJD said it is an administrative issue. "All the MLAs should discuss on it. The Speaker should take a call and Governor should take cue on the matter", BJD's AU Singhdeo, who is also a top leader from western Odisha, said.
Sources said there is a remote possibility of extending the date of Assembly session as the GST bill is likely to be passed in the upcoming session.