BHUBANESWAR: Congress and BJP members staged a walkout from the Assembly over the issue of alleged attack on NCP MLA Nabin Nanda by BJD workers on Monday during the rural polls in Dhenkanal district while the NCP MLAs sought protection from the Speaker.
As the House took up motion of thanks to the Governor for his address, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh said the incident proved to what extent BJD misused official machinery and police to intimidate leaders and workers of Opposition political parties during the panchayat polls.
“Our MLAs were detained by police for hours together and prevented from campaigning,” Singh claimed before leading a walkout.
BJP members too staged a walkout after a while when Nanda narrated how Dhenkanal district police failed to provide him protection. “Miscreants attacked me and my vehicle even at the police station,” Nanda said drawing attention of Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat.
“The miscreants detained my car and assaulted me near Pingua square. I informed the DIG who advised me to go to the police station. They again attacked me when I was at the police station,” Nanda said adding his life is under threat as the Dhenkanal SP failed to protect him.
“It is a serious matter. The SP of Dhenkanal has made insulting remark against an honourable member of this august
House,” NCP Legislature Party leader Amar Prasad Satpathy said demanding a statement from the Government.
“If Nanda is guilty, hang him. But the SP cannot make such an insulting remark in media,” Satpathy said. Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat assured the House that he would enquire into the matter before giving any ruling on the alleged attack on the NCP member.
“The Home Department will look into the specific allegation made by the NCP member,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told reporters outside the House.
Five persons, including Nanda, were injured and two vehicles damaged by a rival group during re-polling in Dhenkanal district.