Opposition Congress on Thursday demanded presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Ministers and members during Budget discussion in the Assembly. Raising the issue during Zero hour, Opposition Chief Whip Taraprasad Bahinipati said only 16 members were present during the Budget discussion initiated by the leader of Opposition in the afternoon session on Thursday. He said the Chief Minister left the House just two minutes after the discussion was started on Thursday.
“During discussion, not a single Minister except Finance Minister Pradip Amat was present in the House,” said Bahinipati. Seeking a direction from the Speaker, Bahinipati said the absence of the members and Ministers in the House during the important discussion is damaging the dignity of the House. He urged the Chair to direct that the Chief Minister and other Ministers to remain present in the House during Budget discussion. Congress member Krushna Chandra Sagaria too expressed concern over absence of the Chief Minister and Ministers in the House.