Land scam issue: Opposition protests in Odisha Assembly

Members demanded a discussion on alleged land irregularities mentioned in the CAG report

The Odisha Assembly today failed to transact any business till 3 PM as the House was repeatedly adjourned due to protests by Opposition Congress members who demanded a discussion on alleged land irregularities mentioned in the CAG report.

The Congress members stormed into Well of the House as soon as it assembled for Question Hour at 10:30 AM.

Earlier, Speaker Niranjan Pujari had disallowed a notice for a discussion on land allotment by the state-owned IDCO (Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation).

As the Congress members attempted to climb on to the Speaker's podium, Pujari first adjourned the House till 11.30 AM and then twice till 3 PM.

Congress Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati alleged the government was afraid of a discussion on the land scam and said "Government land was misutilised by industries and other influential persons."

BJP legislature party leader Basant Panda said "The government will be exposed if a discussion is held on the subject. The Speaker should give opportunity to the Opposition for a discussion."

"We are not afraid of a discussion. I will give proper reply to the allegations made by the Opposition. It is upto the Speaker to allow or disallow a debate," industries minister Debi Prasad Mishra said.

The CAG, in its report had said certain industries had availed loans from different banks and financial institutions by mortgaging land allotted to them by the IDCO.

The IDCO gave permission to industries to avail loans despite the fact that it had no such authority, the report had stated.