Opposition Demands Minister's Resignation Over Odisha Liquor Deaths

The Odisha Assembly witnessed a ruckus for the fourth day as opposition parties demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan over liquor deaths in Ganjam district. With two deaths reported and 13 under treatment, the state government announced a probe but faces strong opposition for alleged mishandling.

The Odisha Assembly was in turmoil for the fourth consecutive day as opposition parties, BJD and Congress, demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan over liquor deaths in Ganjam district.

Upon convening for Question Hour at 10.30 a.m., opposition MLAs from the Biju Janata Dal and Congress raised slogans and trooped into the Well, holding the BJP government accountable for the spread of spurious liquor.

In response to the outcry, the state government initiated an RDC probe into the deaths, but opposition parties contend that the Excise Minister should step down. Harichandan defended his department, vowing to eradicate illegal liquor networks within a year.

(With inputs from agencies.)