Bhubaneswar: The two-day orientation programme for newly elected members of the Odisha Assembly concluded in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
The programme was boycotted by opposition parties Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress as they claimed that there was ‘breach of protocol’. The opposition parties termed the programme a political event of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, who delivered the valedictory address, stressed the significance of prioritising the country’s interests over personal ones. He cautioned that obstructing House proceedings without cause could hinder the development of the state as well as the country.
Advising the newly elected MLAs to leverage the knowledge gained from the orientation effectively, he said they have been elected by the people as legislators with strong faith to build their future. “We must take utmost care to fulfill this responsibility effectively to earn their trust,” Harivansh said.
Presiding over the function, Assembly Speaker Surma Padhy said that the orientation programme would provide new direction for the elected MLAs. She stressed the necessity of maintaining discipline and good traditions in the House for building a developed state with a focus on people’s welfare.
She further stated that active participation in discussions on various issues would lead the state towards development and foster a healthy democratic tradition.
Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, were among those who attended the programme. BJP Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab was also present at the programme, which was inaugurated on Saturday by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
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