Narasingha Mishra accuses Odisha's BJD of adopting undemocratic attitude

The leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra Wednesday accused Odisha's BJD government of adopting the undemocratic attitude, while members of his party, the Congress, and those of the BJP boycotted the day's proceedings in the assembly.

Mishra attacked the state government when the house reassembled at 3 pm after two back to back adjournments during the pre-lunch session. "Though the leader of the house and chief minister has been claiming that his government is ready for discussion on any issue, the government today avoided a debate on the prevailing law and order situation in the state," Mishra said.

The government on Tuesday passed two bills in the absence of the opposition, and it showed the BJD's attitude, he said. "If you (govt) can pass the bills without opposition, why should we remain in-house," Mishra asked.

He pointed out that the governor had returned the Odisha Police Bill and the Odisha Land Grabbing Bill as they were passed in absence of opposition.

Mishra said many bills are being passed in the assembly without discussion and in absence of the opposition. The government has been doing so because the BJD has secured an absolute majority in the assembly, he said alleging that the government has the least respect for the opposition.

As both the Congress and BJP members boycotted the house, the government ensured the passing of at least seven bills within 2.15 hours period.