BHUBANESWAR: Senior BJD leader Damodar Rout on Monday criticised the Congress for stalling the Assembly proceedings when the State is facing an unprecedented situation. “It appears that the Opposition political parties, particularly Congress, are trying to gain political mileage out of the hostage crisis,” Rout told this paper.
Admitting that the abduction of the two Italian nationals followed by ruling BJD legislator from Laxmipur Jhina Hikaka has created an unprecedented situation in the legislature business, the former minister said it is time we faced the Maoist menace unitedly.
At this hour of crisis, all political parties should join hands and assist the Government for safe release of the remaining two persons (one Italian national is released) who are in the captivity of the Left Wing ultras.
While Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is making repeated appeals to the Maoists to release the Italian national and the BJD MLA, members of the Opposition parties are not allowing the House to function normally and discuss the issue. It is the duty of the Opposition to help the Government in finding a solution to the hostage crisis, he said.
Stating that Maoists are exploited by Government officials, particularly police and forest officials, Rout said divisive forces from outside the State are taking advantage of the situation. In the name of Maoists they are igniting passions of the gullible tribals luring them to join their violent activities.