Odisha BJP to gherao collectorates protesting abrupt end to winter session of assembly

The state unit of the BJP announced its decision to gherao the district collectorates in a phased manner for three days from December 20.
Image used for representational purpose.
Image used for representational purpose.

BHUBANESHWAR: The state unit of the BJP announced its decision to gherao the district collectorates in a phased manner for three days from December 20 protesting against the abrupt end to the winter session of the assembly 13 days ahead of the schedule on December 14.

Announcing the decision here today, state president of the BJP Basant Panda alleged that the ruling party has run away from the house to avoid discussion on important issues including growing number of farmers' suicide, delay in implementation of the Supreme Court order to collect fines from mine owners and the deteriorating law and order situation.

Panda, however, said that the state government would not be allowed to escape its responsibility easily. BJP will ask the state government about its performance during the last 17 years, he said and added that the party will launch a statewide agitation for fulfilment of the demands of different categories of agitating people.

Panda alleged though the state government had assured to estimate the loss suffered by farmers due to drought, pest attack and unseasonal rains, officials of the revenue and disaster management department are nowhere to be seen in the fields to assess the damage. He demanded that assessment of loss suffered by people should be done in a transparent manner and steps should be taken to ensure that compensation is not cornered by ruling party workers and sympathisers.

Alleging that farmers are yet to get bonus of Rs 100 per quintal of paddy despite announcement made by chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Panda said farmers are selling paddy much below minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 1550 per quintal announced by the Centre. Questioning the state government's commitment for the farmers, Panda asked why it is yet to announce loan waiver of farmers when Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan governments have done so.

Panda announced that questions will be asked on the state government's failure to create employment opportunities for youths, its failure to protect dignity of women and delay in implementation of the Supreme Court order to collect fines from mines owners. State unit vice-president Sameer Mohanty, party MLAs Rabi Naik, Pradip Purohit and Radharani Panda were also present.

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