Opposition demands Naveen Patnaik's resignation, uproar in Odisha Assembly

Odisha Assembly today witnessed uproar with Opposition Congress members storming the well demanding resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over the abduction of Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka and accusing the government of striking a deal with a Maoist-backed outfit.

No sooner than the House assembled, Congress legislators were on their feet with leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh charging the ruling BJD with entering into an agreement with Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) for Zilla Parishad polls in Koraput.

Refuting the allegation, Government chief whip R N Pani told reporters outside the house that the Congress had come out with an 'absurd' theory by smelling a link between the ruling BJD and ultras.

While the question hour proceeded, Congress members trooped into the well shouting slogans against the BJD government and demanding resignation of the chief minister for the alleged pact with a Naxal-backed outfit.

The opposition members charged that the ruling BJD got the support of the CMAS for the recent zilla parishad elections in Koraput as part of an agreement which sought fulfilment of certain demands of the organisation.

Singh and other Congress members alleged that Hikaka was abducted by the red rebels as they felt that the government was not sincere about their demands.

As pandemonium prevailed, the Speaker adjourned the house for over an hour.