Bhubaneswar: BJP MLAs on Thursday stalled the proceedings of the Odisha Assembly in protest against Congress leader Ajay Kumar’s recent remarks on the NDA’s presidential candidate. Drupadi Murmu that she “represents a very bad philosophy of India and should not be made a symbol of the tribals.”
The BJP also took out a protest rally from Ram Mandir Chowk to Master Canteen Chowk in the city, condemning Ajay’s statement.
Soon after the House resumed proceedings at 10.30 am, BJP members came to the Well of the House against Ajay’s “derogatory remarks” and asked him and the senior Congress leader to tender an unconditional apology. Rahul Gandhi,
speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha Members were requested to return to their seats and raise the issue during Zero Hour. However, after the members did not agree, they adjourned the proceedings after a brief discussion of Zero Hour, first till 11.30 am and then till 4 pm, when the BJP again raised the same issue.
Chief Whip of the Opposition Mohan Manjhi Demands motion of censure against Ajay “As Minister of Odisha and Governor of Jharkhand, Draupadi has already proved herself as an able administrator. His contribution to tribal upliftment is incomparable. Ajay’s remark reflects the attitude of the Congress party towards him.
Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra Opposed the demand of BJP members and said that since Ajay and Rahul Gandhi are not members of the House, any discussion on them is against the rules of the assembly. He said that he personally admired Murmu. However, Congress has been opposing her because of her ideology, which she represents. As the BJP members again raised slogans, the Speaker adjourned the House till 4 pm.
Speaking to reporters outside the assembly, BJD MLA Devi Prasad Mishra said though the personal attack on Murmu was condemnable, the House should be allowed to function.
Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said that there is no reason why Rahul Gandhi should apologize on the issue. Bahinipati said, “BJP has not understood properly what the Congress spokesperson said.
The BJP also took out a protest rally from Ram Mandir Chowk to Master Canteen Chowk in the city, condemning Ajay’s statement.
Soon after the House resumed proceedings at 10.30 am, BJP members came to the Well of the House against Ajay’s “derogatory remarks” and asked him and the senior Congress leader to tender an unconditional apology. Rahul Gandhi,
speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha Members were requested to return to their seats and raise the issue during Zero Hour. However, after the members did not agree, they adjourned the proceedings after a brief discussion of Zero Hour, first till 11.30 am and then till 4 pm, when the BJP again raised the same issue.
Chief Whip of the Opposition Mohan Manjhi Demands motion of censure against Ajay “As Minister of Odisha and Governor of Jharkhand, Draupadi has already proved herself as an able administrator. His contribution to tribal upliftment is incomparable. Ajay’s remark reflects the attitude of the Congress party towards him.
Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra Opposed the demand of BJP members and said that since Ajay and Rahul Gandhi are not members of the House, any discussion on them is against the rules of the assembly. He said that he personally admired Murmu. However, Congress has been opposing her because of her ideology, which she represents. As the BJP members again raised slogans, the Speaker adjourned the House till 4 pm.
Speaking to reporters outside the assembly, BJD MLA Devi Prasad Mishra said though the personal attack on Murmu was condemnable, the House should be allowed to function.
Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said that there is no reason why Rahul Gandhi should apologize on the issue. Bahinipati said, “BJP has not understood properly what the Congress spokesperson said.