Stalemate continues in Orissa Assembly

Bhubaneswar, Nov 27 (UNI) Proceedings in the Orissa assembly was paralysed even today as the Treasury and Opposition benches failed to reach a consensus over the modalities for discussion on the latter's motion on police lathicharge on farmers at Burla.

The House has not been able to conduct business since the beginning of the winter session on November 19 due to the stand-off.

While the Opposition insisted the motion be discussed under Rule 113(b), having a provision for voting, the ruling combine wanted the discussion to be held under Rule 113(c).

As the House assembled for the day Speaker Maheswar Mohanty went ahead with the Question Hour as schedule and asked Steel and Mines Minister Padmanav Behera to reply.

When the Minister stood up to reply, Opposition Congress members like other days,were on their feet holding anti-government posters and shouting slogans in support of their demand.

They then trooped into the well and tried to disrupt business.

But the Speaker allowed the Treasury bench members to raise supplementary questions in the din.

Unable to restore order Mr Mohanty adjourned the House at 1038 hours till 1130 hours. When it reassembled the scene was repeated.The Opposition was again seen occupying the well and shouting slogans.

Members of the Treasury bench then stood up and shouted anti-Congress slogans and alleged that the party was not interested in resolving the farmers' problem.

They showed a letter of Union Minister and Congress party in-charge of Orissa Ajay Maken and said he had asked party legislators to continue the stalemate till December 2.

Cooperation Minister Surama Padhy,however, moved the Orissa Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Ordinance,2007 for approval in the din.The unruly scene continued for sometime and the Speaker finally adjourned the house till 1500 hours for lunch.

UNI