Odisha assembly stalled for 12th day in a row

Opposition wants discussion on chit fund probe; BJD against it

Opposition parties disrupted assembly proceedings for the 12th straight day today in Odisha, protesting the Speaker's decision to not discuss the chit fund probe on the floor of the House.

The house has been adjourned till 3 pm after MLAs of Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shouted slogans demanding a discussion on the chit fund issue at the start of question hour.

The logjam has been continuing since November 20, when the winter session started, as the treasury bench and opposition members differed over whether to initiate a debate on the chit fund probe.

Congress leaders have said Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is against a discussion as some of its leaders have been arrested for their involvement with firms, who had floated ponzi schemes in the state.

Besides the ruling party also fears the discussion could affect the image of Naveen Patnaik, as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) interrogated a former political advisor and key aide of the CM in connection with investments and donations made by the firms, they said.

BJD members have been opposing any discussion related to the chit fund probe, saying it would be improper to start a debate as the state government does not have any information about the probe being conducted by CBI.

Last week, the Speaker had issued a ruling, rejecting petitions filed by Opposition members to discuss the chit fund probe, citing the advice of advocate general to not discuss sub judice matters in the House.

Trials of several chit fund related cases are currently going on in special courts set up by the state government and at the CBI court.