BHUBANESWAR: Opposition Congress members today disrupted proceedings of the assembly over media reports that the Commissionerate Police has summoned party MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati for questioning on the issue of anti-social elements linked to former legislator Ramesh Jena staying in the quarters alloted to him in MLA colony.
Congress members rushed to the well shouting slogans against police highhandedness against leaders of opposition political parties during the question hour forcing Speaker Niranjan Pujari to adjourn the house at 10.33 am till 12.05 pm.
No business could be transacted during the pre-lunch session as the Speaker again adjourned the house till 3pm as soon as it reassembled at 12.05 pm.
Raising the issue as soon as the question hour started, leader of the Opposition Narsingh Mishra said police has infringed on the rights of a legislator by summoning him when the assembly session is on. He questioned the police action when no FIR has been filed against the MLA. Police could have recorded Bahinipati's statement in his house, he said.
Describing the issue of summons to Bahinipati as political vendetta, Mishra demanded strong action against those who are responsible for this.