BJP MLAs throw ‘Chappal’ at Speaker’s podium in Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Saturday witnessed ugly scenes as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs hurled shoes, earphones and papers at Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro’s podium during the House proceedings.

The incident took place after the Speaker rejected an adjournment motion brought by Congress on the mining issue.

The BJP members created ruckus during the passage of the Odisha Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill.

They alleged that Odisha Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill was passed in the House without debate on the same.

 “I don’t know what exactly I have thrown at the Speaker but I have not done anything wrong. The Speaker deserved this kind of behavior for being partial to the ruling party,” said MLA Jaynarayan Mishra.

Refuting the allegations, BJP legislature party deputy leader Bishnu Sethi said, “I haven’t thrown shoes at him (Speaker). I just threw a pen and headphone.”

Shoes, earphone and paper hurled at Speaker’s podium by deputy LoP Bishnu Sethi, MLA Jaya Narayan Mishra and Opposition chief whip Mohan Majhi, alleged government chief whip Pramila Mallick.

Condemning the act, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Leader Narasingha Mishra said, “The incident is very unfortunate.”

The Speaker said, “I am considering all aspects and interpreting the law in this regard. Law will take its own course. I am examining the photographs.”