Odisha speaker not using his powers to resolve impasse: Minister

A senior Odisha minister Monday blamed the speaker for not using his constitutional powers to resolve the deadlock in the assembly where proceedings have been disrupted for 10 days now by opposition Congress and BJP over not allowing any discussion on the chit fund scam.

"It is the responsibility of speaker to run the house smoothly. He should resolve the impasse by taking the opposition and treasury bench into confidence. But, it appears the speaker, who enjoys enormous power in the assembly, is not using his constitutional power to solve the problem," Cooperation Minister Damodar Rout told media persons.

Expressing grave concern over the deadlock in the house, which was disrupted for the tenth day in a row, he said this is not a good sign for democracy.

"Since both the opposition and the ruling parties are not following proper procedures, it has set a bad precedent in the house," said Rout.

In his reaction, Speaker Niranjan Pujari said: "He (Rout) is much senior to me. I must learn from him."

Rout's remarks however prompted the opposition to dare the government to remove Pujari.

"Dama babu (Damodar Rout) is an experienced and senior minister. His statement is the government's statement. If it is the statement of the council of ministers, then why are they not removing the speaker?" asked Leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra.

However, Finance Minister Pradip Amat, a former assembly speaker himself, said the house is running according to the law.