The State Assembly on Monday witnessed uproarious scenes as opposition Congress and ruling BJD members demanded that a censure motion be brought against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks on Odisha’s poverty in an election rally in UP recently.

During the Zero Hour, leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra brought up the issue saying Modi’s statement is anti-poor. “It is true that there are poverty, illiteracy and unemployment problems in Odisha. But the Prime Minister making fun of it in a public rally is a disrespect for Odisha people and has hurt their sentiments,” Mishra said.

He wanted to know why, when the Prime Minister knows about Odisha’s poverty, eight projects were stopped and funds for 33 Centrally sponsored projects were curtailed for Odisha.

Endorsing Mishra’s views, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Dasburma said Odisha people will never pardon the Prime Minister for his statement. He too wanted that the Prime Minister should clarify as to why many Central and Centrally sponsored projects have been stopped by his Governemnt.

Opposition Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinpati and other Congress members rushed into well of the House and demanded that the Prime Minister tender an apology before Odisha people and a censure motion be brought against him.

BJD members too stood at their chairs and made the same demand.

Unable to run proceedings, Speaker Niranjan Pujari adjourned the House at 12.16 pm till 3 pm.