ONI Bureau: Leader of Opposition and veteran Congress leader Narasingha Mishra has admitted that his party has now lost the Opposition status in Odisha Assembly after losing two MLAs.
While three-time MLA from Bijepur, Subal Sahu died on August 22, 2017 following a prolonged illness, Sundargarh MLA Jogesh Singh’s membership was cancelled by the Orissa High Court yesterday on the basis of fake caste certificate submitted by him.
The Congress’ strength in the Assembly has now come down to 14 in the 147-member Assembly. As per the rules, to get the Opposition status, as party requires 15 members (1/10th of the total strength of the assembly).
However, Narasingha Mishra added that the Speaker will take a final call on this matter.