Bhubaneswar: The first day of the Budget Session of the Odisha Assembly was adjourned after Congress MLAs staged a walkout protesting Governor SC Jamir's address today.
Congress MLAs created ruckus opposing the motion of thanks on Governor's address. They stormed into the well and raised slogans protesting government's 'anti-farmer' policies as well.
Following the pandemonium, the Speaker adjourned the House for the day.
"The address of the Governor is misleading. He is acting as per the instructions of the government. The schemes he had mentioned in last year's address have not been implemented till date. Therefore, we protested the address of the Governor," said Opposition chief whip and Congress leader, Tara Prasad Bahinipati.
"The government has attempted to present a colourful, yet baseless, picture through Governor SC Jamir. Farmer welfare schemes were mentioned in his address whereas farmer suicides are on the rise. The farmer is unable to get Rs 1550 MSP, unabated black marketing of seeds is prevalent and unemployment is also increasing," said BJP MLA Pradeep Purohit.
On the other hand ruling party MLA Arun Sahoo said "Congress began to protest from the moment Governor Jamir started his address. They had already made up their mind to walk out of the House and create ruckus unnecessarily. They should have heard it till the end and could have raised their issues in a proper manner."
Meanwhile, during his last address in the Assembly today, Governor Jamir mentioned about the constitution of Mahanadi Tribunal, enactment of Odisha Official Language Act, 1954 and formation of Special Development Council for nine tribal districts.
"Odisha government has launched ‘Mo School’ programme to provide a platform to connect to your school and contribute for the development of its alma mater," said Jamir adding the ‘Ama Gaon Ama Vikash’ programme is aimed at development of villages.
The Governor further stated that the Odisha government organised the Asian Athletics Championships in a matter of 90 days and Bhubaneswar has been identified as a sports hub by hosting Men's Hockey World League Final.
Speaking about farmers and farmer welfare policies of the State government, Jamir said "Crop loss and irrigation schemes have provided relief to the farmers. Rural poor have been provided with 15.5 lakh pucca houses; piped water supply projects have been implemented in fluoride-affected villages and Odisha has been recognised as a 'Champion State' by recording highest growth in merchandise exports."