Bhubaneswar, Feb 20 (UNI) Odisha Assembly Speaker S N Patro on Friday put an end to the stalemate in the House, announcing a debate on mandi mismanagement and irregularities in paddy procurement, stating that a two-hour discussion on the issue would be held on Monday.
Making the announcement after an all party meeting, the Speaker said the discussion would be held during the pre-lunch session, after the Question Hour. No other business of the House would be taken up in the pre-lunch session, he added.
The Opposition Congress and BJP members holding placards and posters had stalled the business of the House for the last two days, demanding a discussion on mandi mismanagement.
The Opposition members alleged that farmers were suffering, as the paddy was not being lifted from the mandis and the ryots were not getting MSP for their produce.
Unable to conduct the business of the House smoothly, the Speaker had called an all party meeting on Thursday and directed Food Supplies Minister R P Swain to make a statement on paddy procurement in the House on Friday and another statement after seven days.
But the Opposition members opposed the Speaker's ruling and demanded an all party meeting and a discussion on the issue.
The Opposition, much like yesterday, created a ruckus in the House today, as soon as the Assembly assembled at 1030 hrs, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House twice in two phases, till 1600 hrs.
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