Pandemonium prevailed in the State Assembly as Opposition BJP and Congress brought different issues to the fore on Tuesday.
While the BJP raised the safety issue of the Jagannatha Temple in Puri due to the various developmental projects being undertaken near the shrine, the Congress raked the mining issue to corner the State Government.
Unable to run the House, Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro adjourned it several times.
Puri BJP MLA Jayant Kumar Sarangi said the Government would be held responsible for any damage to temple. Cracks were spotted in the temple after vibration due to the Heritage Corridor works. The Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) and the National Monument Authority (NMA) haven’t given approval for any permanent project. A committee should be formed to probe this.
“We do not oppose development, but the temple’s safety is also essential,” he said.
Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra also raised the issue and demanded that the Speaker give a ruling for the Law Minister’s reply on the matter or to form a House Committee to probe into it.
In his reply, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha said the ongoing Shreemandir Heritage Corridor project work would not have any impact on the temple safety.
Regarding the demand for a House Committee, the Minister said the Government is prepared to constitute a committee.
Besides, the Congress members also raised the mining issue alleging massive loot of minerals by mine owners. The Congress moved an adjournment notice on the issue, but Speaker Patro declined to accept it.
Congress member Tara Prasad Bahinipati alleged that 104 mine owners are plundering the minerals and illegally transporting those outside the State. He demanded that the Government take action against them.