Odisha minister blames Opposition for Assembly deadlock

Opposition holds government responsible for impasse

By Manoj Jena

Bhubaneswar, March 25: Odisha revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari on Monday slammed the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress for disrupting Assembly proceedings for over 10 days.

Pujari urged opposition lawmakers to respect the people’s mandate and engage in meaningful debates on state issues. “Around 4.5 crore people of Odisha have elected us to legislate and address their problems. It is distressing to see Assembly proceedings stalled due to opposition protests,” he said.

He condemned Congress members for using musical instruments like cymbals and trumpets to create disruptions, calling their behavior inappropriate. “These instruments belong in social and religious events, not the Assembly. We urge the Opposition to participate in legislative discussions,” he added.

Joined by works and law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and forest minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, Pujari highlighted that opposition protests from March 10 to 18 led to a loss of nearly 35 hours of legislative business. “Our salaries come from taxpayers’ money. We owe it to them to ensure the Assembly functions properly,” he stated.

Responding to Pujari, Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati countered, “It is the treasury bench’s responsibility to take the Opposition along, but they fail to do so. The public expects them to run the House, not just blame others.”

The Congress is demanding a House Committee to investigate alleged rising crimes against women and the sexual abuse of girl children in state-run residential school hostels.

BJD member Goutam Buddha Das held the government responsible for the deadlock. “Let them resolve the issue. We are ready to cooperate if they agree to discuss our concerns,” he asserted.