Opposition BJP MLAs Wednesday drew the attention of Speaker S N Patro over the absence of ministers and ruling BJD MLAs from Odisha Assembly as they are allegedly busy campaigning for the July 20 Patkura assembly seat.
The issue was raised by Leader of Opposition, Pradipta Kumar Naik of BJP during the Zero Hour.
"Out of 21 members of the council of ministers, only eight ministers are present in the House on Wednesday," Naik pointed out.
Of the 111 BJD MLAs in the Odisha Assembly, 61 were absent from the House on Wednesday, Naik said adding that the ministers were not available for replies during the Question Hour session.
"Is not it (skipping the assembly) a disrespect to the House?," Naik asked.
"While skipping the House, the MLAs and ministers are seen in television channels campaigning for Patkura assembly seat where polling is scheduled to take place on July 20."
Government Chief Whip Pramilla Mallick, however, said, "Required number of ministers and MLAs are present in the House."