The Winter Session of the Odisha Assembly commenced today. However, it started on a controversial note. Congress legislators staged a dharna at the entrance to prevent Minister of State for Home Dibya Shankar Mishra from entering the House
Before House proceedings started, opposition Congress MLAs Taraprasad Bahinipati, Mohammed Moquim, Santosh Singh Saluja, Suresh Routray and others staged protests at the entrance of the Assembly in a bid to prevent the minister from entering the House.
Shouting slogans and holding “Go back MoS (Home)” and “Give Justice to Mamita Meher” placards, the legislators demanded an answer from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over the issue.
“We had strongly demanded the dismissal of Dibya Shankar Mishra for his alleged links with Govind Sahu, the prime accused in the Mamita murder case. The deceased’s father has even alleged that the minister used to visit the school and spend nights there. However, no action has been taken against him. The CM has remained silent over the issue,” Saluja said.
The Congress MLAs also locked another gate to ensure the minister cannot enter the House. However, Assembly secretariat staff later broke the lock.
“We are opposed to MoS Home’s entry into the August House. We will not allow the tainted minister to impure the sanctity of the sacred House,” Bahinipati told reporters.
Other MLAs and ministers, however, faced no obstruction and smoothly entered the House.
Till the House paid obituary reference to former members and slain COVID-19 warriors, Mishra was not seen in the House. The protesting MLAs later withdrew the dharna and participated in the House proceedings.
The House was later adjourned till 5 pm after obituary reference to the departed leaders.
