All party meet to break logjam on power tariff hike

As pandemonium prevailed in the Odisha assembly for the third straight day over the Opposition's demand to roll back the recent hike in power tariff, the Speaker announced a meeting of all parties on Monday to break the logjam.

"Since the energy minister and the department's secretary are not available, no discussion could be held on the power tariff hike. A meeting will be held on Monday to find a solution to the impasse," said Speaker Niranjan Pujari.

Soon after the house reopened to transact business, the Opposition Congress and BJP renewed their agitation, demanding withdrawal of power tariff hike. The Question hour was marred by the Opposition's loud protests as they held up placards denouncing the tariff hike and mouthed anti-government slogans. The ruckus forced the Speaker to adjourn the house till 12.50 pm. When the house reconvened for business, the Opposition members trooped to the well, raising the same unrelenting demand.

Amid the din, discussion continued in the house with respect to the demand for grants for home and general administration departments. The house was finally adjourned till Monday.