Odisha: BJP stalls assembly proceedings over Congress leader’s remarks on Droupadi

BHUBANESWAR: Day after Ajoy Kumar said NDA presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu represents the “evil philosophy of India” and “should not be made a symbol of adivasis”, the BJP MLAs on Thursday stalled the ongoing session of Odisha assembly in protest against the Congress leader’s remarks.
The BJP also took out a protest rally from Ram Mandir Square to the Master Canteen Square in the city condemning Ajoy’s statement.
Moments after the assembly reconvened for the Question Hour at 10.30am, the BJP members stormed into the well of the House and sought an unconditional apology from Ajoy and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha requested the members to return to their respective seats and raise the issue during the Zero Hour. However, as the protesting members didn't relent, he adjourned the proceedings first until 11.30am and again until 4pm after a brief Zero Hour discussion when BJP raised the same issue again.
Opposition chief whip Mohan Majhi demanded a censure motion against Ajoy. “As a former minister of Odisha and ex-governor of Jharkhand, Droupadi has already proved herself as an able administrator. Her contribution to tribal uplift is immeasurable. Ajoy's remarks reflect Congress party's attitude towards her,” Majhi said.
Countering BJP's demand, Congress legislature party leader Narasingha Mishra said since Ajoy and Rahul Gandhi are not members of the House, any discussion on them is against the Vidhan Sabha rules. He said he had personally praised Murmu. However, Congress has been opposing her nomination because of the ideology she represents.
As BJP members resorted to sloganeering once again, the speaker adjourned the house until 4pm.
Talking to media persons assembled outside the assembly, BJD MLA Debi Prasad Mishra said though personal attacks on Murmu are condemnable, the House should be allowed to run.
Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “There is no reason as to why Rahul Gandhi should apologise. The BJP has not understood what the Congress spokesperson meant to say.”