BJD MLA Slams Odisha Assembly Orientation Program Arrangements

BJD MLA Pratap Deb criticizes the organization of a two-day orientation for newly elected Odisha Legislative Assembly members, citing participation of union ministers as a 'gross anomaly.' He urges corrections to avoid BJD MLAs boycotting the program in favor of their own training session.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Pratap Deb voiced strong criticisms on Sunday over the arrangements made for the two-day orientation program intended for the newly elected members of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Speaking with the news agency ANI, Deb raised significant concerns about the involvement of union ministers in the event.

Deb highlighted that a recent notice from the legislative assembly informed all MLAs about the orientation schedule. According to the notice, the program was to be inaugurated by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and concluded with a speech by Union Minister JP Nadda. Deb argued that the presence of central BJP leaders during sessions where the Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker are also present constitutes a major 'anomaly.'

'We pointed out that the attendance of central ministers for the inauguration and valedictory sessions, while the Chief Minister and Speaker are sitting there, represents a gross anomaly. We have addressed this concern with the Speaker and urged for these issues to be resolved,' Deb remarked. 'Should these discrepancies remain unaddressed, BJD MLAs will abstain from the training program and conduct their own session on August 25.'

(With inputs from agencies.)