BHUBANESWAR: With the State Government and Centre blaming each other for the delay in construction of a second bridge over Brahmani river near Rourkela, the Opposition’s demand for constitution of a Special Privilege Committee to verify their claims was rejected by Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat.
Referring to the Practice and Procedure of Parliament of MN Kaul and SL Sakdher, Amat said there is no point of constitution of a Special Privilege Committee as demanded by Congress and BJP members.
As the blame game continues, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari’s letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik provided enough ammo to the Opposition to corner the ruling BJD. The Assembly witnessed repeated adjournments as Congress and BJP members created a ruckus demanding formation of a Special Privilege Committee to find out the truth.
The issue cropped up during zero hour when Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha blamed the Centre for delay in commencement of construction of the river bridge, foundation stone of which was laid by Gadkari.
Disputing Arukha’s claim, leader of the BJP legislature party KV Singhdeo said, work on the project was considerably delayed due to want of forest clearance and land acquisition. He cited the letter written by Gadkari to the Chief Minister in which the Union Minister had expressed his concern over the twin problems. He accused Arukha of misleading the House by giving false information.
Intervening in the matter, Leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra said either the State Government or the Centre is not telling the truth to the House. He urged the Speaker to constitute a Special Privilege Committee to find out as to who is misleading the Assembly. Congress members rushed into the well of the House and urged the Speaker to refer the matter to a committee. The BJP supported the demand.
As the scene became chaotic, Speaker adjourned the House thrice. Normalcy, however, returned after Amat said he would give a ruling on the matter.