Opposition BJP and Congress MLAs on Wednesday gheraoed State Assembly Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro in his chamber after latter rejected an adjournment motion notice on mining scam. They had also created a ruckus in House as Speaker did not accept motion moved by Congress.
As soon as Question Hour began, Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra requested Speaker to accept adjournment notice for a discussion on mining scam in State. As Speaker rejected his request, the Congress and BJP members rushed to Well of House and shouted slogans against Government. As pandemonium prevailed, the Speaker adjourned House till 11.30 am.Soon after it, the Congress and BJP MLAs gheraoed Speaker in his chamber demanding a discussion on mining scam. As Opposition members detained Speaker, Deputy Speaker Rajanikant Singh announced the adjournment of House till 4 pm. Speaker Patro told media, “The Opposition members led by Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra came to my chamber and asked me to allow a discussion on mining issues. I told them that Speaker does not represent Government; he is presiding officer. I also explained to them why I rejected their adjournment notice and advised them to raise issue during Zero Hour. But they stuck to their demand.” Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja alleged that there has been a mining scam of Rs one lakh crore and it’s a sensitive issue. The Government is afraid of discussion as it would expose them.In afternoon when House reassembled, both BJP and Congress members also shouted slogans against Government demanding a discussion on mining scam and stood at entrance gate of Speaker’s chamber. Meanwhile, with help of Marshal, Deputy Speaker Rajanikant Singh entered House and Assembly passed four legislations -- Odisha Panchayat (Amendment) Bill 2021, Odisha Housing Board (Amendment) Bill 2021, Odisha Government Land Settlement (Amendment) Bill 2021and Indian Stamp (Odisha Amendment) Bill 2021.