BJD To Boycott Orientation Programme For MLAs In Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar: Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday announced its decision to skip the two-day orientation programme to be held for the new MLAs in the Odisha Assembly.

The regional party reportedly raised questions over two Union Ministers slated to address the inaugural and valedictory sessions of the orientation programme being held on August 17 and 18.

BJD deputy chief whip in the Assembly Pratap Keshari Deb told reporters that the tradition of the legislature should not be compromised.

Stressing that the dignity of the Chief Minister and Speaker should not be undermined, he said the programme seems to be a BJP event as it is going to be graced by the non-members of the Assembly in the presence of the CM and Speaker.

Deb said there will be no problem if BJP holds a training programme at a different venue for its elected members. However, any official programme should follow the formalities, he said.

It may be noted that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is scheduled to inaugurate the event while Union Health Minister and BJP president J P Nadda is slated to address the valedictory session.

Normally, either the Chief Minister, who is the Leader of the House, or the Speaker becomes the chief guest at the inaugural and valedictory sessions.

This time, a serious exception in the tradition of the House has been made, the senior BJD leader said.

However, BJP clarified that the event would be held under the chairmanship of the Assembly Speaker in the presence of the Chief Minister. The programme would be conducted as per the Assembly rules, BJP leaders said.

The orientation programme will be held on the assembly premises to acquaint the MLAs with the rules and procedures relating to the business of the House, the functioning of various Committees, the budgetary process, the privileges & conduct of members and the use of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), assembly officials said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling said that the programme will be held as per the directive of the Speaker. The programme will have four sessions.

He said veteran member Ranendra Pratap Swain will speak on Parliamentary Privilege and Customs, convention and ethics. A session will be held on the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA). Former Finance Minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadai will deliberate on the budgetary issues. MP Bhartruhari Mahatab has also been invited as a guest to speak on the committee system in a democracy, Mahaling said.

On August 18, former Minister Narasingh Mishra will also deliberate on the post-lunch session on the Legislative Process.

Harivansh Narayan Singh, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, has been invited by the Speaker, who will address the valedictory session and share his experience