BJD & Congress MLA Boycott Governor Raghubar Das’ Address Over ‘Odia Asmita’

Bhubaneswar: Turning the tables on the relatively inexperienced Mohan Manjhi-led BJP government, the Opposition BJD and Congress MLAs started the first day of the the first session of the 17th Odisha Assembly on Monday on an offensive by walking out of the House over ‘Odia Asmita’ as soon as Governor Raghubar Das began his address.

The boycott was in protest against the assault on an assistant section officer by Governor’s son Lalit Kumar and police inaction in the matter. The Opposition gave the BJP government a taste of its own poll plank by raising the ‘Odia Asmita’ banner over the issue.

Besides demanded arrest if the Governor’s son, senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati said that Das should resign from the post. “We have to safeguard Odia Asmita. The protest will continue till the arrest of his son,” he said, while also raising objection to the Governor’s speech in Hindi.

At its legislative party meeting on Saturday evening, the BJD decided to raise alleged mismanagement in Rath Yatra, the Governor’s son assault case and the unprecedented rise in prices of essential commodities during the session, which has 27 sitting days.

Also Read: Rath Yatra, Guv Son’s Assault Case: 1st Session Of 17th Odisha Assembly Set To Be Stormy

The Congress, which has been demanding action against the Governor’s son, has also decided to raise the issue inside the House.

GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS

The Governor said that the government will ensure all-round development of the State by keeping Odia Asmita at its focal point. “The state government is committed to ensuring transparent governance. My government will ensure the recruitment of 1.5 lakh vacant posts in a fair and transparent manner, with 65,000 positions to be filled within the next two years.”

The Governor also spoke about building 10 lakh houses in rural areas and 5 lakh houses in urban areas under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. “The government will establish counselling centres in schools and facilitate career counselling from Class IX. It will launch a new sports policy with focus on providing infrastructure for players starting from the village level to creating a support ecosystem: Governor in state assembly.”

He said that Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides health assurance for all eligible beneficiaries ensuring critical financial protection and access to quality healthcare, will be implemented in Odisha. 

He also mentioned about the BJP government’s plan to empower local tribal communities through sustainable tourism by setting by Eco-Tourist Hubs and Homestays in villages while promoting cultural exchange and economic development. “A wildlife tourism circuit will be created by linking national parks and sanctuaries, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and promoting conservation. To enhance beach tourism, government will establish a coastal circuit connecting all the beaches.”

The Governor said that Library on Wheels (LoW) will be introduced to bring libraries to tribal students and improve access to educational resources. “My government will establish Odia Samudaya Bhawans in all major metro and other important cities across India.”

He further said that a “Senior Citizen First” policy will be adopted across all state government schemes, ensuring that the elderly receive priority in benefits and services delivery.