Bhubaneswar, March 25: Around Rs 12 crore in taxpayer money has been lost because of the disruptions being caused by the opposition members in the Odisha Assembly, said Law Minister Prithiviraj Harchandan on Thursday.
Launching a scathing attack on the opposition BJD and Congress, Harichandan during the Zero Hour, said, “Every day, around Rs 68–70 lakh is being spent from taxpayers’ money to run the House. Due to the disruptions, around Rs 12 crore in taxpayer money has been wasted.”
The Opposition has been protesting in the Assembly since March 17 demanding resignation of Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling over the fire mishap at the SCB Medical College & Hospital in Cuttack that claimed 12 lives. Despite repeated all-party meeting convened by the Speaker, no consensus has been reached so far. On Wednesday as well, the House was adjourned three times due to continued disruptions till 4 PM.
“Usually, opposition members participate in budget discussions, but a different trend is being seen now. If a party which ruled the State for 24 years does not follow the rules and procedures of the Assembly, nothing can be more unfortunate than this,” rued the Law Minister.
“Earlier, in the name of paddy procurement, you (opposition members) first stalled the Assembly but no farmers supported you. Now, after the SCB fire mishap, opposition members are creating ruckus. I want to say that after mishap, the Chief Minister had reached the spot and reached out to the victim’s family while the former Chief Minister never preferred to visit such accident sites. A judicial inquiry has been ordered, and a fact-finding team was also formed. Action has also been taken against those guilty,” said Harichandan.
The Minister questioned, “Did the former Home Minister resigned when the Itishree, Bebina, Madhabilata, and the Mahanga murder incident took place? I further want to ask that did the former Chief Minister resign when one of his Cabinet colleagues was shot dead?”
“Two days ago, the Chief Minister also requested the Leader of the Opposition to let the Assembly function, but no response came. What is the opposition afraid of?” asked the Law Minister.
