Odisha hooch tragedy rocks Assembly

The recent hooch tragedy in two coastal Odisha districts of Cuttack and Khurda which claimed 40 lives, rocked the state assembly for the second consecutive day on Tuesday with Opposition Congress and BJP insisting on a full fledged debate.

The ruling BJD rejected the demand saying the matter was sub judice and a debate may hamper investigation.

Speaker Pradip Amat had allowed a discussion on Monday following an adjournment motion moved by the Opposition. Midway of the discussion, treasury bench members objected saying the matter was sub judice, leading to heated exchanges between the two sides. After repeated disruptions, the house was adjourned for the day.

On Tuesday too the Opposition members occupied the well of the house and refused to allow proceedings unless their demand for a discussion was accepted.

After several adjournments, the Speaker wrapped up the session in the afternoon and said a meeting of Opposition and treasure benchers would be held on Wednesday to resolve the issue.

Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh alleged that the government was reluctant to allow a debate as it feared the Opposition’s probing questions.