Hundreds of Utkal Bharat workers were arrested while they were taking out a rally on Tuesday here protesting the move to form a Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) in the State.
Led by Utkal Bharat president Kharabela Swain, the party workers marched from Master Canteen towards the Naveen Niwas to gharao the residence of the Chief Minister. Police intercepted them at Raj Mahal Square and took Swain and his party workers into custody.
Earlier addressing at a meeting, Swain said there is no need of a Vidhan Parishad in the State as it has limited powers. “The Vidhan Parishad can at best delay a Bill passed in the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) by four months in two phases; and after that the Bill would be considered as passed. Similarly, the members of the second legislative chamber have no power to cast votes during President election and also during amendment of Constitution.
However, they would get all facilities, including salary, allowances, pension and Government quarters. The Government will spend Rs 35 crore per annum to run the Vidhan Parishad,” told Swain.
He added that the ruling BJD wants to rehabilitate some of its members who would be denied tickets in next elections or who get defeated. He criticised the Congress and the BJP for not opposing the move for their vested interests.
The Utkal Bharat would hold meetings across the State and tell people how the Vidhan Parishad plan is to loot the common people, added Swain.