Breach of privilege motion: Assembly Privilege Committee summons OTV MD

Bhubaneswar: The Privilege Committee of Odisha Assembly has summoned managing director of Odisha Television Ltd, Jagi Mangat Panda in connection with the breach of privilege motion moved against OTV in November 2018. The Committee has asked Panda to appear before it on January 28.

It is pertinent to mention here that Opposition party chief whip, Tara Prasad Bahinipati had brought the ‘Breach of Privilege Motion’ against OTV after the channel telecast a factual report on November 19, 2018 on how Odisha Assembly Speaker Pradeep Amat adjourned the House after being prompted by the House secretary.

Both BJP and Congress members had alleged that the Speaker was managing the proceedings and functioning of the Assembly to suit the ruling the party. In its report, OTV had highlighted how the Parliamentary Affairs minister spoke to the secretary of the Assembly who then was seen and heard prompting the Speaker, who adjourned the house till 3 pm on November 19 last year.

Even Tara Prasad Bahinipati and BJP MLA Pradip Purohit had admitted about the incident in front of camera. Bahinipati, who himself called the speaker as ‘Dhritarastra,’ subsequently retracted and went on to move a breach of privilege motion against OTV.

Protesting the motion, OTV had termed it as a deliberate attempt to muzzle the voice of media and had sought the intervention of Odisha Governor. OTV had also put forth its view in accordance with the notice earlier served by the Privilege Committee of Odisha Assembly.