Opposition gears up to corner ruling-BJD during winter session of Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar: Winter session of the Odisha Assembly is likely to be stormy as Opposition has prepared a long list of issues to corner the ruling-BJD in the House. As the poll dates are getting closer, the ruling party and Opposition are already on the war path and the same is expected to reflect in the winter session which is scheduled to begin from November 16.

Farmers’ issues will be the main agenda which the Opposition is likely to rake up in the House. The government’s move to stop farmers to hold a rally in Bhubaneswar recently and delay in disbursal of crop insurance claims are some of the issues that will be raised by the opposition members.

Sources said, Opposition will train guns at the ruling-BJD over alleged corruption, unemployment, rampant percentage commission, delay in appointment of Lokayukta, deteriorating law and order situation, violence against women and hooliganism by Biju Yuha Vahini members among others.

“The government has declared drought in areas not on the basis of ground reality and accurate data. Besides, issues pertaining to law and order situation and rampant corruption will be raised in the House,” stated Leader of Opposition, Narasingha Mishra.

BJP will be up in arms over mismanagement in handling the situation after cyclone Titli, lawyers’ agitation, the government’s 'self-propagandist' approach towards Make in Odisha conclave, and row over darshan at Puri Srimandir.

BJP MLA Pradeep Purohit said, “Corrupt percentage commission practice in government works at the block level and other major issues will be raised in the House.”

On the other hand, ruling-BJD is likely to bring up the Polavaram issue, decline in Central assistance and Mahanadi water dispute to counter the Opposition attack.

Expressing about the ruling party’s preparedness for the winter session, Finance Minister, Sashi Bhusan Behera said, “The government is ready to face any issues raised by the Opposition in the House.”

Sources said the parties including the ruling-BJD will finalise their strategy during their respective legislature party meetings to be held tomorrow.

The winter session will begin from November 16 and continue till December 15. The government is expected to pass important bills during the session which has 23 working days.

Sources said if the general election is held on time, the State government might call for a small session and present a Vote on Accounts for a period of three months.