Odisha assembly stalled demanding discussion on farmers

As soon as the House assembled for the day, Congress members were on their feet with leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh reiterating the demand for an immediate discussion on farmers' problems by cancelling the question hour.

Protesting denial of permission for debate on the issue,

Congress MLAs soon trooped into the well shouting slogans against the BJD government in the state accusing it of being anti-farmer.

Holding placards, the Congress members occupied the well. Uproarious scenes were witnessed as they shouted slogans like "Jai jawan, jai kishan" and attacked the government.

As noisy scenes persisted, Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat adjourned the House first till 3 PM after being unable to run the proceedings due to the uproar.

Similar scenes were repeated when the House reassembled

at 3 PM leading to adjournment for the day as the opposition members again created ruckus.

Congress alleged that farmers were denied crop insurance

due to negligence of the state government which failed to submit crop cutting report at the right time.

The Speaker had yesterday refused to accept an adjournment motion given by Congress on the plea that the matter involved at least three departments -- agriculture, cooperation and food supplies.

"As one (agriculture) minister cannot give reply for all the three departments, it is not possible to allow the adjournment motion," Amat had said.

Government chief whip Pravat Tripathy said outside the House that state government was ready for discussion on any issue but opposition should give notice under suitable section.