As many as four members of the Odisha Krushak Navanirman Sangha, an organisation fighting for the cause of farmers, on Monday demonstrated in the visitors’ gallery of the State Assembly, shouting slogan against the Government for its anti-farmer policy.
While one of them tried to jump inside the Well, the watch and ward staff took him into custody. However, the farmers, all of whom were detained for illegal demonstration, were later released on bail.
The incident occurred when the House was in turmoil while the Opposition Congress members were agitating in the Well of the over their continued demand for resignation of Revenue Minister Surya Narayan Patro for misleading the House on Central assistance.
The watch and ward staff overpowered the agitating members of the Sangh while one tried to jump inside the House. The security staff whisked them out of the gallery and interrogated them.
The members, Ramakanta Jena, Dillip Barik, Surendra Maharana and Subhendu Dhal, who staged a protest demonstration had entered into the visitors’ gallery by obtaining admit card from MlAs Debendra Kahanra, Naveen Nanda (both BJD) and Independent MlA Pratap Saranagi.
The Sangha members were demanding Rs 500 bonus for every quintal of paddy procured by the Government and adequate compensation to the farmers hit by cyclone Phailin and the subsequent floods.