Odisha Assembly proceedings were adjourned twice on Thursday due to uproar by opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs over the controversial Polavaram dam project in neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh.
As soon as the proceedings of the House started, the BJD members came in front of the posture and started protesting. His notice to discuss the Polavaram issue was rejected by Assembly Speaker Surma Padhi.
Opposition members raised slogans against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accused the ruling party of sacrificing Odisha’s interests for their political gains in Andhra Pradesh.
In view of the noise in the House, the Speaker adjourned the first proceedings till 11.30 am and later till 12.15 pm.
When the members of the BJD were making a ruckus in front of the House, the party’s Deputy Leader Prasanna Acharya in the assembly claimed that Odisha would be seriously affected after the completion of the Polavaram project.
Acharya said, “Unilateral and forced construction of the Polavaram project by the Government of Andhra Pradesh has become unbearable for Odisha. So we demand a discussion on this matter. “
BJP member Ihaishish Acharya justified the dismissal of notice by the Speaker to discuss the Polavaram issue. He said, “The rules of functioning of Odisha Legislative Assembly clearly say that the case under consideration in court cannot be discussed in the House.”
Opposition Congress MLAs sat on a dharna near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the assembly premises to protest against the suspension of his senior member Taraprasad Bahinipati. Congress members were wearing a black band as a protest.