Leader of Opposition Pradipta Kumar Naik (BJP) on Saturday alleged that the State Assembly was adjourned undemocratically on Friday on a plea of coronavirus at the behest of the BJD Government in order to divert people’s attention from the issue of deposit of Rs 545 crore belonging to the Jagannath Temple, Puri in the crisis-ridden private Yes Bank.
“The Government had promised to withdraw Lord Jagannath’s money from the Yes Bank on March 19, 2020. Unsure of withdrawing the money, the Government closed the Assembly undemocratically to escape from facing troubles in the House,” said Naik at a Press meet here.
He said the BJP would not sit silent until action is taken against those responsible for depositing the Lord’s money in a private bank in violation of laws.
Opposition Chief Whip Mohan Majhi said adjournment of House in the name of Novel Coronavirus has proved that State Government has turned an escapist. “What is the link between spreading of Covid-19 and functioning of the Assembly,” wanted to know Majhi.
Deputy Leader of Opposition Bishnu Charan Sethi said the corona fear has not gripped people rather it has grasped the BJD. “The Finance Minister should come out with a whitepaper detailing about fund deposits of various Government departments in private banks. The OMC and the Idco have deposited Rs 650 crore and Rs 2,000 crore in private banks, respectively. The BJD is trying to pocket the Shreemandir funds,” alleged Sethi.