BJD seeks discussion on MMDR amendment

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy on Monday convened an all-party meeting ahead of the upcoming session of the State Assembly, seeking cooperation from all parties to ensure the House functions smoothly. Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya, and other senior leaders from all parties attended the meeting.

Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, Opposition Chief Whip and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Pramila Mallik said the Speaker discussed how to run the House smoothly during the nine-day monsoon session. She added, “As the Opposition, we, on behalf of the BJD, have demanded a discussion in the House on the losses suffered by the state due to the MMDR Amendment. We have submitted a motion demanding a detailed discussion on the issue.”

Mallik further demanded that the government either allow a discussion on the BJD’s motion or hold a discussion by moving a motion of thanks. She said the Speaker had assured her of consideration, adding that the party’s future course of action depends on the Speaker’s decision.

Senior Congress MLA Ashok Das noted that his party will raise issues concerning Odisha’s interests, including the MMDR Amendment Act, and seek discussions on the floor of the House during the upcoming monsoon session. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the state government is ready to discuss issues raised in the Assembly. He added that the Speaker appealed to all members to ensure that the Assembly functions smoothly and peacefully.

“Whatever Bills and issues come up during the session should be discussed constructively,” Mahaling said. He said the Assembly had so far received notices for six Bills. However, the Assembly’s Advisory Committee would decide the priority of the Bills and allocate time for discussion.

On the MMDR Amendment Act, Mahaling said a motion had been submitted to the Speaker seeking a discussion. “The matter is under the jurisdiction of the Speaker. The Speaker will decide the priority and the form in which the discussion will be allowed. Whatever form the Speaker permits, we are ready to discuss it,” he said.

The Odisha Assembly’s seventh session of the 17th Assembly is scheduled to begin on September 22 and continue until October 3.

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