The hike in the train passenger fare and freight charges had its echo in the State Assembly on Saturday with the main Opposition Congress demanding a special two-hour discussion on the issue from the point of view of its impact on the State.
The Congress members also displayed placards opposing the rail fare hike and criticising the ruling BJD for its silence on the NDA Government’s move and the increase of VAT rate on petrol and diesel by the State BJD Government as soon as the House commenced its business at 10.30 am.However, the ruling BJD Members condemning the move as anti-people and anti-poor in particular favoured a unanimous resolution for rollback of the decisions.
The issue was raised during the Zero Hour. BJD Member Amar Prasad Satapathy through a point of order said the hike in the rail fare would affect the passengers and lead to price rise due to the increase in freight charges. The House should debate over the issue and pass a resolution against the anti-people move of the Centre.