Oppn steps up demand for tainted ministers' exit

Mass education minister and urban development minister allegedly involved in scam

PTI | July 16, 2010



Stepping up their demand for resignation of two ministers for their alleged involvement in the multi-crore coal scam, opposition Congress and BJP today paralysed Orissa assembly for the third day today.

"We demand resignation of the two ministers. Unless they resign, we will not take part in any discussion," Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh told Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat.

Like previous days slogan shouting members of both Congress and BJP trooped into the well when the house assembled accusing two ministers of being involved in coal scam during their tenure as chairmen of the state-owned Orissa Small Industries Corporation (OSIC).

As the Speaker went ahead with the question hour ignoring their plea, opposition legislators created a noisy scene demanding immediate resignation of urban developmet minister, Badri Narayan Patra and School and mass education minister Pratap Jena in connection with coal scam.

Both Patra and Jena had already denied their involvement in the coal scam and expressed readiness to face any probe.

While the opposition members shouted "Naveen Ptnaik down.. down", treasury bench retaliated with "Naveen Patnaik Zindabad..", creating a noisy scene in the house.

Due to unruly scene, the speaker first adjourned the house till 11.40 hrs, then till 12.14 pm and for the third time till 3 pm. .

Accusing the opposition of running away from debate on the coal scam, Parliamentary Affiars Minister, Raghunath Mohanty asked Congress and BJP MLAs to refrain from their escapist approach.

Opposition chief whip Prasad Harichandan said that his party had decided not to take part in discussion unless and until the two ministers were removed.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik told reporters outside the House that the government was ready to reply all questions raised by the opposition on coal scam.

Treasury bench members on their part held opposition responsible for loss of about Rs 30 lakh every day due to disruption of the house.

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