Legislators of the main opposition trooped into the well shouting slogans after BJD member Samir Dash mentioned during zero hour about reported allegation against Congress MP and former chief Minister Hemananda Biswal that he had sought favours from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL).
Taking strong exception to the ruling party member's remarks in the house, where Biswal was not present to defend himself and present his case, the Congress legislators demanded expunction of the BJD MLA's statement.
Not satisfied with Speaker Pradip Amat's assurance to examine the matter, the Congress MLAs demanded that the words spoken by the BJD legislator be expunged immediately. They cited an instance where allegations raised in the house against a prominent BJD MP had been expunged in the past.
Parliamentary Affairs minister Kalpataru Das urged the Congress MLAs to participate in the House proceedings as the speaker had promised to examine the matter and had not rejected their demand for expunction.
However, hitting out at the ruling BJD, Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh alleged that the issue was raised as part of a conspiracy to avoid the adjournment motion moved by Congress on coal issue.
As coal issue is likely to draw direct attack on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his letters to the Centre recommending allotment of coal blocks to private companies, BJD was truing to divert members' attention, he claimed. More
