Repeated adjournments in House over Bolangir officer issue

The Odisha Assembly witnessed repeated adjournments today with Opposition Congress and BJP members demanding a ruling from the Speaker on alleged breach of privilege by the sub-collector of Bolangir district whom they held responsible for the suicide by a farmer.
The issue was raised by Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra of Congress during Zero Hour when he alleged that the officer dishonoured the House by his statement in the media.
"The sub-collector has alleged in the media that we are telling lies in the House," Mishra said.
Both the Congress and BJP members had yesterday held the sub-collector responsible for the death of Nadighosh Barik, a farmer who lost his agricultural produce due to hailstorm.

Quoting the FIR lodged by the victim's brother, the Opposition members had also said the officer concerned insulted Nadighosh who along with other farmers had approached him for compensation.
Mishra, who represents Bolangir Assembly, also demanded the Protocol or Privilege committee of the House take up the matter and summon the sub- collector.

As Speaker Niranjan Pujari did not give any ruling, the Opposition members rushed to the Well of the House and created a pandemonium.
Unable to run the House, Pujari first adjourned the proceedings till 12.45 pm and later till 3 pm as the Opposition continued their protest in the Well.

Alleging that the officers are ruling the roost in the state and the government has no control over them, Congress Chief Whip Taraprasad Bahinipati also demanded a debate on the ongoing "Officer Raj" in Odisha.
Senior BJP leader and former minister KV Singh Deo also supported the Congress' demand.
Both the Opposition party leaders had also stalled the House yesterday demanding immediate arrest of the officer.
Nadighosh Barik, a resident of Harabhanga village under Loisinga police station, committed suicide by hanging from a tree on March 21 after being allegedly harassed by the sub-collector.
The farmer had lost his crop in three acres due to severe hailstorm on March 18, Mishra said.