Bhubaneswar, July 22: Boycotting the Governor’s address, opposition members staged a walk-out citing concerns over the 'Odia Asmita' issue.
Governor Das in his speech had said, "Odia pride is the central issue in our governance agenda. Building on the faith reposed by people of Odisha in my Government, sincere efforts will be put to strengthen and promote Odia culture. All the prominent Odia leaders would be given due recognition by my Government for their contribution. Odisha’s rich handloom, handicraft and cuisine would be promoted by my government to bring prominence across the globe."
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said “My party and I were disappointed and surprised that the present government has taken no action against the Governor’s son for assaulting on an Assistant Section officer (ASO).” He added that his party was, “deeply shocked by this.”
The LoP further added that, “Law and order has collapsed. When I was in government, ministers, MLAs, MPs, senior government officers, if they have broken law, immediate Action was taken."
“The state government should take action according to the law,” Naveen Patnaik concluded.