Bhubaneswar: Following Naveen Patnaik’s ’empty vessel’ jibe over plan expenditure, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi criticised the Leader of Opposition (LoP) for remaining largely absent from the ongoing winter session of the Odisha Assembly.
The LoP described the BJP government as an “empty vessel” during his speech on the Appropriation Bill pertaining to the supplementary budget of Rs 17,440 crore, which was later passed by voice vote.
The CM retorted by questioning Naveen’s absence in the House. “Nine days of the session have passed. How many days has the Leader of Opposition attended? How much time has he spent in the House and in how many deba
tes has he participated in to hold the government accountable?” Majhi asked.
Taking a further dig at Naveen, Majhi added: “If there were health issues, it would have been understandable. But when he can travel to Nuapada for campaigning, how can he stay away from the Assembly while the session is on?”
The CM emphasised that posting on social media does not substitute for legislative duties. “In a parliamentary democracy, every member has the right to criticise the government, but they also have the responsibility to attend the House,” he said.
While the LoP has attended the winter session only twice — once when President Droupadi Murmu addressed the House and again to speak on the Appropriation Bill, the BJD members staged a walkout during the Chief Minister’s reply to the debate.
Also Read: ‘Hurting Every Odia’: Naveen Patnaik Slams Odisha Govt For Neglecting Development Spending