The decision of the State Government to hold the election for the post of Odisha Assembly Speaker on September 21, a day after Nuankhai which is being observed on September 20 this year in western Odisha and in the State, has evoked criticism from the people in Balangir district.
Senior Congress leader and Balangir MLA Narasingha Mishra has criticised the decision to hold election for the post of Speaker on the next day of Nabanna (Nuankhai) as unfortunate and against the sentiments of people of western Odisha.
Nuankhai is one of the major festivals of people of western Odisha. On this day people offer the first grain to local deity as a mark of gratitude and observe this festival with pomp and gaiety. Those staying away from their native place, returns to home to participate and join in the Nuankhai celebration. The government has declared two-day holiday for the festival.
There is government provisions for MLAs to reach Bhubaneswar to attend Assembly session two days ago, so that the MLAs could participate in their party official meeting before going to attend the Assembly session, said Mishra.
For the Assembly Speaker election, the MLAs have to discuss with their party colleges as whether the party would field candidate or not and for this a clear strategy is necessary. In such a background, how MLAs of western Odisha, would come to Bhubaneswar on a holiday and participate in the election, questioned Mishra.
This shows the step-motherly attitude towards the people and people's representatives of western Odisha rued Mishra and added that the Government should reconsider it's decision to hold election on that day.