JOIN USThe issue of Maoist violence was raised by Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh in the assembly during Zero Hour where members cutting across party lines expressed concern over the situation.
"Maoists are on the rampage. If the Orissa government is not capable of facing challenges, it should start a dialogue," Singh said accusing the state police of being reponsible for lawlessness in 17 districts where the extremists had their network.
Opposition chief whip Prasad Harichandan of Congress criticised the government for not utilising central funds to raise security battalions to curb violence.
''While the Centre had sanctioned creation of six India Reserve Battalions, the government could raise only one battalion,'' he said adding the Chief Minister should not blame the Centre for his government's "failure."
Independent MLA Pratap Sarangi charged the government with taking a soft stand against Maoists.
The ruling party members on their part accused the Centre of neglecting Orissa in providing assistance to effectively tackle the Maoist menace.
BJD MLA Pradip Maharathy said the Centre's help was not adequate for the state.
''While the Centre provides more funds and personnel to other states, it maintains different attitude towards Orissa,'' he alleged.