Uproar in Odisha assembly

"I faced a lot of difficulties to come to the House as the teachers are on dharna before the houses of MLAs," Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh of Congress said. As members of ruling BJD and opposition exchanged words over the teachers issue, Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat adjourned the house for about one and half hours till 12 noon.

The primary school teachers were demanding regularisation of their service. Members cutting across partylines also expressed concern over damages caused to farmers due to unseasonal rain last evening in about a dozen districts.

The issue was raised during zero hour with both opposition and treasury bench members wanting to know about the steps taken by the state government to assist affected farmers. Raising the issue, Congress Chief Whip Prasad Harichandan said that about 12 districts were badly affected.

BJP members also expressed concern and demanded a ruling from the speaker. BJD member Atanu S Nayak said Mahahalpada and Marsaghai blocks in Kendrapara districts have been badly hit.

Besides loss of paddy, houses of many poor people were damaged, Nayak said. Taking the concern of members, Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat asked Revenue minister S N Patro to submit a report tomorrow.