Opposition holds symbolic session in Assembly lobby

Continuing their protest against the abrupt adjournment of the winter session of the state assembly 14 days ahead of schedule, the Opposition Congress, BJP and two independent members today held a symbolic session of the House in the assembly lobby.

Congress member, Debiprasanna Chand presided over the session.

The Congress and BJP members have been camping inside the House after it was adjourned officially on Saturday to lodge their protest.

The symbolic session started with question hour and members moved an adjournment motion against the abrupt adjournement of the assembly.

However, no journalists or visitors were allowed to witness it.

The winter session of the assembly, which started from 18 November, was scheduled to end on 19 December.

However, the Speaker, Pradeep Kumar Amat adjourned the house sine die on the basis of a motion moved by ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Terming the abrupt adjournment as “unconstitutional”, the Opposition members on Sunday submitted a memorandum to Governor, M.C. Bhandare and requested him not to prorogue the House and re-convene it.

“The House was adjourned because the government was afraid of facing the Opposition over the multi-crore mining scam and farmers’ suicide,” said leader of Opposition, Bhupinder Singh.

He said, the Opposition will continue to hold symbolic session till the original schedule of 19 December.

On the other hand, the ruling BJD on Monday described the symbolic session being held by the Opposition as mere drama to gain publicity.