Bhubaneswar, Nov 27 (UNI) The functioning of the Odisha Assembly was paralysed for the second consecutive day today over Opposition demand for removal of Agriculture and Higher Education Minister Arun Sahoo.

The Opposition BJP and the Congress members are insisting on their demand dismissal of Mr Sahoo from the council of Ministers for shielding an accused involved in the murder of a five-year-old girl in Nayagarh.

The House was adjourned four times in the pre-lunch session and once in post-lunch session before finally adjourning for the day at 1522 till 1030 hrs tomorrow over the issue.

Speaker S N Patro had to adjourn the house at 1034, 1104,1130 and at 1158 hrs till 1500 hrs in the per lunch session and at 1506 hrs and at 1521 hrs till tomorrow ass the opposition members shouted slogans and stalled the proceedings insisting on their demand.

Amidst the pandemonium, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an SIT probe into the incident in the Assembly in the pre-lunch session through video conferencing.

Mr Patnaik said,” If SIT investigation is what is required, the state government will take steps in this regard and do it immediately”.

The Chief Minister said, “ My government is always committed for free and fair investigation and we always want justice to be done.”

He said “ I am deeply saddened by the incident. My government will always stand for the Rule of Law. I would request all the members to cooperate and participate.”

The Chief Minister’s statement, however, failed to pacify the opposition members who continued their slogan-shouting even after the announcement forcing the Speaker to adjourn the house till tomorrow.

The problem began right from the house assembled to take up the business of the day.

Carrying placards, the opposition BJP and Congress members rushed to the well and shouted slogans demanding the resignation of the Minister.

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