The State Assembly on Thursday constituted a House Committee headed by Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra (Congress) to conduct a detailed inquiry into derogatory remarks made by Abhijit Iyer Mitra against Odisha and Odias and to suggest action by the first day of the next session of the Assembly.

Earlier, Speaker Pradeep Kumar Amat had suspended the Question Hour and took up a Privilege Motion against Abhijit for making derogatory remarks against Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri and Konark Temple and abusing Odisha Legislators by terming them as fools.

As soon as the House met for the day, the Privilege Motion was brought by Narasingha Mishra.

Mishra, BJD MLA Arun Sahu and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and BJP member Pradeep Purohoit condemned the derogatory remarks made by Abhijit in different social media in strong words. They demanded that the House summon him and award an exemplary punishment so that no one can try to disrespect Odia culture and people of Odisha. Then, Speaker Amat called for an all-party meeting to take a call on the Privilege Motion.

During the course of the meeting, the House was adjourned five times.

Finally, the Speaker announced a House Committee comprising Mishra as Chairman and Debi Prasad Mishra, KV Singh Deo, Pramila Mallick, Arun Sahu and Sanjay Kumar Dasburma as Members.

He directed the committee to submit its report on or before the first day of the next session of Assembly.

Following this, the House, which met for a total of 11 days for its Monsoon Session, was adjourned sine die.