Bhubaneswar: Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy on Monday convened an all-party meeting ahead of the monsoon session of the state legislature, seeking cooperation from all parties for the smooth and peaceful functioning of the House.
Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya, Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik and other senior leaders attended the meeting.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mallik said the BJD had sought a discussion on the losses allegedly suffered by Odisha due to the MMDR Amendment Act. She said the party had submitted a motion seeking a detailed discussion on the issue and demanded that the government either allow the motion or initiate a discussion through a motion of thanks.
Mallik said the Speaker had assured her that the demand would be considered, adding that the BJD would decide its next course of action based on the Speaker’s decision.
Senior Congress MLA Ashok Das said his party would raise issues concerning Odisha’s interests, including the MMDR Amendment Act, and seek discussions during the session.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the government was ready to discuss issues raised by the Opposition. He said the Speaker had appealed to members to ensure that the House functions smoothly and peacefully and urged constructive discussion on Bills and other issues.
Mahaling said the Assembly had received notices for six Bills so far, while the Advisory Committee would decide their priority and allot time for discussion. On the MMDR Amendment Act, he said a motion had been submitted to the Speaker and that the government was ready to participate in the discussion in whatever form the Speaker permits.
The seventh session of the 17th Odisha Assembly is scheduled to begin on September 22 and continue till October 3.
