Odisha Law Minister Slams Opposition for Wasting Rs 12 Crore in Assembly Deadlock
In a sharp rebuke, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Wednesday accused the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress of squandering approximately Rs 12 crore of public funds by stalling the state assembly for an entire week. The opposition parties have been staging continuous protests, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling in connection with the tragic March 16 fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which claimed the lives of 12 patients.
Chaos and Adjournments Disrupt Proceedings
Since March 17, opposition members have protested on every working day, bringing legislative business to a standstill. On Wednesday, after the House reconvened at 10:30 AM, BJD and Congress legislators, dressed in symbolic black T-shirts, rushed to the well, shouting anti-government slogans and intensifying their call for Mahaling's ouster.
Despite repeated appeals from Speaker Surama Padhy to return to their seats and allow normal proceedings, the demonstrations persisted. With the din showing no signs of subsiding, the Speaker was forced to adjourn the House briefly until 11:30 AM. When the assembly met again, opposition members resumed their protests, severely disrupting the crucial Zero Hour.
Minister Highlights Financial Drain on State Exchequer
Speaking during a brief window in Zero Hour, Law Minister Harichandan delivered a stern message, emphasizing the severe financial impact of the continuous disruptions. "Each sitting day costs the state exchequer between Rs 68 to 70 lakh," he stated, adding that nearly Rs 12 crore has already been wasted due to the week-long stalemate.
While Rs 70 lakh per day would amount to Rs 4.9 crore over seven days, government officials clarified that the minister's calculation of Rs 12 crore likely includes the salaries and allowances of assembly members and government employees during this period, providing a more comprehensive view of the total financial loss incurred by the state.
Protests Continue Amid Political Accusations
Zero Hour continued amidst the protests for approximately 20 minutes before the House was adjourned again, first briefly and then until 1 PM. In an effort to break the deadlock, Speaker Surama Padhy convened an all-party meeting. However, when the assembly reassembled at 1 PM, opposition members boycotted the proceedings entirely.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi managed to initiate a discussion on demands for grants related to the home and general administration departments before the House was adjourned once more until 4 PM.
Opposition Vows to Continue Agitation
Outside the assembly, BJD MLA Arun Sahoo declared that the agitation would persist until Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling either resigns or is removed from his position. Congress Legislature Party leader Ramachandra Kadam echoed this demand, reinforcing the opposition's unified stance.
Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik challenged the Chief Minister, stating, "Let the CM prove himself to be a strong CM by sacking the health minister."
Treasury Bench Counters with Allegations
Countering the opposition's demands, BJP MLA Ashok Mohanty accused the BJD and Congress of intentionally derailing assembly proceedings. He suggested that the BJD, which is reportedly divided over internal issues related to the Biju Naveen Inspirational Trust, was using the protests as a diversionary tactic to shift attention away from the controversy.
Meanwhile, some treasury bench members raised concerns about the Biju Naveen Inspirational Trust during the session, alleging it was created to divert BJD funds, adding another layer of political tension to the already volatile situation.
The ongoing impasse highlights the deepening political rift in Odisha, with significant implications for governance and public expenditure as the state grapples with the aftermath of the SCB fire tragedy and the ensuing political fallout.
