MLAs want to know measures taken for celebration of Gandhi's

Cutting across party lines, the members of the Odisha Assembly Tuesday wanted to know on the measures being taken by the state government for celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.

The issue was raised by leader of opposition Narasingha Mishra of Congress who said the Central government has already made budgetary allocation for the celebration.

"We want to know whether the state government has also made any such provision. I have received a letter from Gandhi Memorial organisation on celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji," Mishra said.

The Congress leader also asked the state government to make a statement in the House on its preparedness for the celebration as it begins from October 2.

BJD member and former minister Sanjay Dasburma supported Mishra and said all MLAs cutting across party lines should celebrate the occasion. "If we celebrate in big way, it will add to our glory," Dasburma said.

BJP Legislature Party leader K V Sighdeo said the state should also take up programmes for the celebration. While the Centre has already made its plans public, the state is yet to make any such announcement.

Government Chief Whip Amar Prasad Satpathy said there is need to highlight the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi in the present situation.