Opposition Stalls Assembly Proceedings Over Odisha Drivers’ Strike

Bhubaneswar: The ongoing all-Odisha strike by the drivers found echo in the Assembly on Thursday with Opposition BJP and Congress creating an uproar demanding resolution of their issues.

Raising the strike launched by the Drivers’ Ekata Mahmancha during the zero hour, veteran Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said transport services across the state have been seriously affected due to the strike.

With commercial vehicles unable to ply inside Odisha and supply of essential commodities from outside affected by the agitation, the prices have started rising in different parts of the state, he added. Stating that the drivers are paid a meagre amount as salary for their services, the Congress leader urged Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha to direct the government to resolve their issues.

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Jayanarayan Mishra said though the drivers’ indefinite strike has entered second day, the government has failed to take any step to resolve the matter. He demanded that the minister concerned should give a reply in the House.

As the Speaker did not give any ruling, the BJP and Congress MLAs stormed into the well of the House and created a ruckus. With pandemonium prevailing in the House, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings and called for an all-party meeting.

Following the meeting, the Speaker gave a ruling asking Commerce and Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu to hold a discussion with agitating drivers and make a statement in the House on Friday.

It may be noted that the drivers of bus, truck and taxi under the banner of Drivers’ Ekata Mahamancha started the indefinite state-wide strike to press their 10-point charter of demands including social security and pension. Formation of a welfare fund, death benefits and pension after 60 years of age are among their other demands.