Opposition demands CM's resignation over Naxal attack

Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (UNI) The Opposition in Orissa Assembly today demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in wake of the massacre of 13 police personnel and a civilian by the about a hundred armed naxalites at Nayagarh town last night.

The Opposition raised the demand as soon as the House assembled for the day to take up the Question Hour business.

Leader of Opposition J B Patnaik demanded the resignation of Chief Minister saying that he has failed to protect the life of the people in the state.

Mr Patnaik said the House should first condole the death of the deceased police personnel and civilian, who were killed by the ultras.

At this, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Raghunath Mohanty said the Chief Minister and the Home Secretary have already left for Nayagarh and will place a report in the House on their return. Till then the house should continue its business, he added.

The Opposition Congress members, however, refused to buy the views of Mr Mohanty and started shouting slogans against the government.

Mr Patnaik then stood up to say that the naxalite attack had created an abnormal situation in the state adding that there was no point in running the House without the Chief Minister tendering his resignation.

As the din continued, Speaker Maheswar Mohanty has adjourned the house till 1200 hours.

UNI DP BD PP SS1154