Bhubaneswar, Mar 15: The Opposition BJP today sought apology from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for ignoring the state Assembly, which is in session.  

Responding to the demand for apology from Deogarh MLA Subash Panigrahi, who had attempted suicide in the House on Friday by consuming hand sanitiser over paddy procurement issue, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Pradipta Kumar Naik said that it is not Panigrahi but the Leader of the House should tender apology to the Assembly. ” He is visiting Puri, Sundergarh and Nuapada, but avoiding the House on the pretext of Corona,”  he said.

On the other hand, ruling BJD chief whip Pramila Mallick said, ” We won’t allow the House to run till Panigrahi begs apology from the Assembly members.”

” We have been raising several demands before the Centre. But are we attempting suicide over non-fulfilment of our demands,” she questioned wanting to know what message the BJP MLA is trying to give.

On the participation of the Chief Minister, Mallick said, ” He is being involved in all works of the House and has been supervising the works.”