Privilege motion adopted against journalist Iyer Mitra for derogatory remarks

The Odisha Assembly Thursday adopted a privilege motion and constituted a committee to suggest action against journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra, who allegedly made derogatory remarks against the state, Konark Temple, Jagannath Temple and the lawmakers.

Mitra is a friend of former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Baijayant Panda.

The privilege motion moved by Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra of the Congress was supported by the members of all the parties, including the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP.

The members cutting across party lines demanded stringent action against Mitra who took to social media to make a series of derogatory remarks against the state, its people, culture and scribes.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, Speaker P K Amat suspended the Question Hour and allowed the Leader of Opposition (LoP) to move the privilege motion. After an hour-long debate, the Speaker accepted the privilege motion and announced constitution of a committee to summon the accused.

The six-member committee to be headed by the LoP would also have senior BJD MLA Debi Prasad Mishra, Pramila Mallick, Arun Sahoo, Sanjay Dasburma and BJP legislature party leader K V Singhdeo as members.

The House committee will submit its probe reports on the first day of the next session of the Odisha Assembly, the Speaker said.

"Remarks of Abhijit Iyer Mitra have disrespected people of Odisha and Odia language, it culture and tradition. He should be summoned to the state and the House should decide on quantum of punishment," Mishra said.

Congress chief whip Taraprasad Bahinipati also demanded stringent punishment against him.

Singhdeo said his party was with the House and condemns the remarks against Odisha.

After hearing views of members from across different parties, the Speaker called an all-party meeting after adjourning the House for about 80 minutes.

Working journalists also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Speaker and Leader of Opposition demanding stringent action against Mitra for his derogatory remarks against the media.