Bhubaneswar: Coming down heavily on opposition, Odisha’s Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Wednesday accused Congress of orchestrating a conspiracy to bring the Assembly proceedings to a grinding halt.
Addressing a press meet, the Minister alleged that Congress is acting as per instruction of its national leadership to paralyse the Assembly proceedings till March 27.
The Assembly has been witnessing a high drama since March 7 because of the conspiracy by Congress, he claimed.
“Congress MLAs are following orders from Delhi not to let the House function,” Harichandan claimed, adding that the legislators will never be forgiven for undermining Odisha’s interests.
In a desperate bid to retain its fading influence, Congress has called for a statewide protest on March 27, Harichandan said, adding that Congress is virtually fostering a “goonda raj” in the Assembly by using abusive language and indulging in unruly behaviour.
“This is undemocratic and a grave offense,” the Minister said, linking such antics to the public’s past rejection of Congress.
Harichandan also mentioned about past scandals, including the Anjana Mishra case, Chhabirani rape and murder case and atrocities against women during Congress rule, to underscore the party’s checkered record.
Rejecting Congress’ demand for a House Committee to probe crimes against women, he said Assembly rules allow such bodies only for specific incidents, not vague grievances. “They’re trying to wash out the House with irrational demands,” he asserted. While the opposition has shunned dialogue, the government remains open to talks, with the Chief Minister ready to respond.
The Minister also lashed out at Biju Janata Dal (BJD), accusing it of shielding Congress while glossing over its own governance failures, such as a neglected police force and a culture of impunity.
“Their talk of law and order is like chanting ‘Hari’ in Lanka,” he quipped. With the Assembly costing 70 lakh rupees daily to run—and up to 1 crore including security—the ongoing disruptions are draining public funds, Harichandan lamented.
He urged the opposition to set aside differences and collaborate on a roadmap for Odisha’s progress.
