Odisha assembly Budget session begins today

The Opposition Congress has geared up to corner the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the Budget session beginning Thursday on issues like signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) without any policy or guidelines and alleged forcible land acquisition for the Posco project.

Moreover, worsening law and order situation in the state, distress sale of paddy and the recent announcement of Rs one per kg subsidised rice scheme with an eye on the forthcoming polls, will also figure in the Congress agenda.

“Law and order in the state is deteriorating. There is distress sale of paddy. This government is also signing MoUs without any policy or guidelines. Land has been allotted for projects to non-serious promoters. We will raise these issues in the assembly,” said Opposition leader Bhupinder Singh.

On the contrary, the ruling BJD is prepared to counter the Opposition offensive by highlighting its pro-poor schemes and stepping up the ante on the failure of Congress led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government at the Centre to curb spiraling food prices and also the Central government's neglect towards Odisha on Railways.

BJD supremo and chief minister Naveen Patnaik said, “This may be the last Budget session of the assembly before the general elections. A lot of work has to be done during the session. We will highlight our government’s achievements and the anti-poverty measures taken by us. We will also point out the Centre’s failure to contain spiraling prices of essential commodities.”