Odisha Assembly debates Lokayukta Bill

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Thursday witnessed uproarious scenes and heated exchange between Opposition Congress and the ruling party lawmakers during the discussion over the much-awaited Lokayukta Bill-2014.

The members of the Congress alleged that there was ambiguity in the Bill’s Clause-II which deals - who would be brought under the purview of the Bill.

Besides, they too demanded the Judiciary must be included in the Clause to make the Bill transparent.

Questioning on the ‘hurriedness’ of the ruling government for the passage of the Bill, they suggested an elaborate discussion was required before the Bill is passed.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kalpataru Das, reacting on the ‘unruly’ attitude of the Opposition members, said, “A consensus, cutting across party line should be drawn in favour of the Bill for a larger interest of the society.”

Meanwhile, the session of the House has been extended by one day to allow passage of the Bill.

Earlier in the day, two and a half hours were allotted for the debate on the Bill, which was presented in the House on Wednesday.

The debate on the Bill had remained incomplete on Wednesday leading to adjournment of the House after Congress members, including Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh, staged a dharna inside the well of the House.