Opp storms Odisha assembly on cash-for-vote, Bhushan issue

The opposition parties today cornered the ruling Biju Janta Dal (BJD) over allegations of cover-up of the Bhushan fire incident and alluring voters in lieu of cash in the recently held urban polls.

The legislatures belonging to opposition parties trooped into the well of the House shouting anti-government slogans with placards in their hands forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House thrice. The Congress accused the ruling BJD of distributing Rs 5,000 cash for a vote in the recently concluded urban body election where the latter registered a thumping victory.

"The government is buying the votes from the poor in lieu of money. Besides, the chief minister should give a clarification on the Bhushan accident as the labour minister has already held him responsible for the incident," said the leader of Opposition, Bhupinder Singh.

The treasury bench targeted the Congress-led Union government for not giving a single penny to the state, despite the prime minister announcing Rs 1,000 crore cyclone assistance.