Assembly adjourned twice over unemployment, farmers' issues

Odisha Assembly was today adjourned twice due to ruckus by the opposition Congress and the BJP over unemployment and failure to provide drought relief to the affected farmers.

While Congress wanted a discussion on the growing unemployment in the state, the BJP said the state government had failed to give relief to the drought-affected farmers.

As soon as the House assembled for the Question Hour, the Congress and BJP members rushed to the well of the House shouting anti-government slogans.

They were protesting denial of permission for a discussion on unemployment and the plight of farmers affected by drought.

Speaker P K Amat first adjourned the House till 11.30 am and then till 12 noon. He also called an all-party meeting to resolve the issues.

When the House reassembled at 12 noon, Leader of Opposition, Narasingha Mishra of the Congress, said unemployment was growing fast.

The youths were being attracted to Maoist ideology and acute unemployment was the reason behind the rising crime in the state, he said.

This has also led to massive migration, he said.

Criticising the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Mishra said, "PM Modi had promised to provide jobs to 2 crore people every year. After four years in office, he is silent."