nThe State Assembly witnessed adjournment twice on the second day of the Monsoon Session on Wednesday as the Congress and BJP Members protested against rise in petrol and diesel prices and the State Government’s apathetic attitude towards Block Grant teachers, respectively.
As the House met for the day, the Congress members rushed into the Well of the House and shouted slogans against the Union Government over skyrocketing fuel prices. The BJP members stood at their seats and demanded early fulfillment of teachers’ demands. Salepur MLA Prakash Behera was sitting on a dharna demanding NAC status for Salepur.
Unable to run the proceedings, Speaker Pradeep Kumar Amat adjourned the House till 11.30 am. When the House reassembled, Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra held both the Union Government and the State Government responsible for unbearable rise in petrol and diesel prices. “When crude oil per barrel was availed at Rs 147 in 2008, the petro price per litre was Rs 45 only. It is very disappointing that the petrol price is now Rs 75 when the crude oil per barrel is Rs 75 in the international market. While the Union Government has cast a blind eye to protect common people’s interest, the State Government is only shedding crocodile’s tears and not cutting State tax on petrol and diesel,” lamented Mishra.
Besides, Mishra slammed the State Government for not fulfilling teachers’ genuine demands. He demanded that the Government hold talks with teachers and fulfil their demands soon. Mishra too supported party MLA Behera’s demand and urged the Speaker to ask the Government to fulfil his genuine demand at the earliest. Behera withdrew his dharna on Mishra’s advice.
The Congress members again rushed to the Well and shouted slogans. The Speaker adjourned the House at 11.44 am till 12.30 pm.