BHUBANESWAR: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday accused the state government of ‘double standard’ saying the Assembly session was abruptly adjourned at midnight, allegedly to avoid a discussion on a proposed condemnation motion against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his remarks on Biju Patnaik.
Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya, along with senior leaders Debi Prasad Mishra and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, alleged that despite the Speaker accepting their written proposal for a condemnation motion, the government ‘deliberately avoided’ the debate by ending the session unexpectedly.
Acharya said Dubey’s remarks had ‘hurt sentiments across India’ and triggered widespread protests, yet no official response came from the BJP. He noted that during Zero Hour, Opposition members had strongly raised the issue and the Speaker assured discussion after consultation with the Business Advisory Committee.
The BJD also criticised the government’s handling of the recent fire tragedy at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack which claimed 12 lives. Acharya contrasted it with past action taken under the previous government, recalling that then Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak had resigned on moral grounds following a similar incident.
Questioning the ruling party’s silence, Nayak said the BJP, which came to power invoking Odia identity, had failed to defend the legacy of Biju Patnaik. He demanded legal action against Dubey.
The BJD leaders also urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and state BJP president Manmohan Samal to clarify their stand.