Excise Minister Dr Damodar Rout expressed his displeasure in the State Assembly as he was not allowed a Point of Order by Speaker Niranjan Pujari.
The Minister wanted to give a counter statement to an allegation made by Opposition Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati during the Zero Hour. Bahinipati, raising a Point of Order, wanted a reply from Excise Minister Rout on sale of contaminated liquors in rural areas impacting families economically and socially.
“Spurious liquor sale is on the rise all over the State. It is being sold at tea stalls, betel counters and other shops. For this, lakhs of families have been disturbed socially and economically. Youths have been way-ward and women have been widowed,” Bahinipati said, requesting the Speaker to direct the Minister to give a reply as to what steps he has taken in this regard.
The Minister who was very much present at that time stood at his chair and wanted to speak in a point of order. To which the Speaker said, “There is no point of order in a point of order.” Then he called another member to speak.
This infuriated Rout as he was heard saying, “Though you are a speaker, you also a political person. I am a senior Minister. You people may come against me but you can’t do any harm to me (Tame mane jete mo pachhare lagile mora kichhi kari pariba nahin).
However, he later told reports outside the House that nobody can raise finger against the Speaker as he was head of the House.
“The Speaker has the prerogative to allow or not allow speaking in the House. His decision can’t be opposed.” Rout said.