Other States - Orissa   

Opposition unrelenting

BHUBANESWAR: The Opposition parties of Orissa seemed to be having an upper hand when they succeeded in stalling the proceedings of the State Assembly for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday demanding a discussion on the controversy over diversion of water from Hirakud to industrial projects.

The Opposition legislators raised slogans condemning the Government for allegedly showing favours to private companies and demanded that the Speaker allow discussion on the motion moved by them under Section 113-B of Rules of Procedure under which voting could take place on the question whether Hirakud water was meant for agriculture or industry.

Entering the well of the House they also displayed placards and a new banner depicting lathi-charge on farmers and teachers among other things in an attempt to embarrass the Government on the floor of the House.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Raghunath Mohanty said the Government was ready for a discussion on the Hirakud issue, but said that the discussion should be held under Section 113-C of the rules of the House to avoid voting on the question raised by the opposition.

Speaker Maheswar Mohanty urged the Opposition to agree on a discussion on the whole issues under Section 113-C without pressing for voting.

Congress legislator and former Minister Narasingha Mishra, however, said that the Opposition was not ready for a discussion under the Section 113-C.

“Why was the government shying away from having a discussion under Section 113-B when it was claiming to be pro-farmer,” he queried, while accusing the government of doublespeak.

Peeved by Mr. Mishra’s remarks, legislators of the ruling alliance raised slogans against the opposition saying that the later appeared to be more keen to draw political mileage than discussing about welfare of farmers.

As pandemonium continued to prevail and the opposition did not agree to his suggestion, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings till 12-30 pm.

The proceedings were again adjourned till 3 pm, and then for the whole day without the House carrying out any other business.

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