Odisha Assembly’s winter session begins on a stormy note

Bhubaneswar: The winter session of Odisha Assembly was adjourned for the day after it began on a stormy note today with the Opposition Congress stalling the proceedings alleging apathy of the Centre and the ruling BJD government towards farmers’ issue in the State.

As soon as the Speaker Pradeep Amat announced the beginning of the House business, the Congress MLAs, holding paddy plants, stormed into the well of the House. The Speaker then adjourned the House for an hour and again extended it for half-an-hour. Later, it was adjourned for the day.

While the war of attrition between the ruling BJD, the BJP and the Congress continues unabated, the BJD MLAs staged demonstration in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the premises of the Assembly demanding hike in minimum support price (MSP) of paddy.

The Centre’s injustice is unacceptable. It must hike the MSP of paddy in the very interest of the farmers of the State, the BJD MLAs demanded.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra lashed out at both the Centre and the Naveen government for their failure in protecting the interest of farmers and called for an all-party meeting over the issues pertaining to the farmers’ plight.

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Mishra also expressed disappointment for not being given a chance to speak in the House.

On the other hand, BJP’s Paikmal MLA Pradeep Purohit said the farmers in the State have suffered a lot in the 18-years of BJD rule.

“The MSP of paddy is Rs 1,550 but the farmers are still forced to sell paddy at Rs 1200 to Rs1300. Even, adding to their woes, they are being supplied with low grade pesticides. The BJD must answer in the Assembly

- he said.

Besides, the legislator alleged involvement of some former agriculture minister’s relatives in supply of the expired, low grade pesticides.

By blaming the Centre, the BJD is trying to hide its failure and shield itself from the wrath of farmers, Purohit alleged.

Earlier, the Opposition Congress moved a motion in the House seeking a debate on farmers’ issue by cancelling the Question Hour.