Opposition raises ‘Starvation Death’ issue in Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar, Dec 10: Opposition parties stalled the proceedings of Odisha Assembly on Thursday, demanding minister’s statement over starvation death reported in Balangir on December 8. Following the ruckus in the house, Speaker Niranjan Purjar adjourned the house till 12 PM.

The second session of Odisha assembly today began at 12:10 PM. But, opposition parties were not in mood to let go the issue, they demanded minister’s statement. Some legislators protested in the house give slogans against the state government.

Considering their demand, Speaker directed minister of Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management Bijayshree Routray to make statement in the house within 24 hours over the issue.

The issue of starvation death of a woman Suka Dei in Balangir district on December 8 was raised by Leader of Opposition Narashinga Mishra in the house during Zero Hour. He asked the minister to provide clarification as the state government has started many welfare schemes over food security; despite starvation death reported from Balangir on December 8. Other Congress legislators following their leader urged the Speaker to direct the minister for reply on such serious issue.

Congress leaders alleged that the two schemes – rice at Rs 1 per kg and Aahar –introduced  by the state government failed to safeguard the interest of destitute people in providing food security in the state. These schemes were aimed to check starvation deaths but the Naveen government failed, they alleged.  On the other hand, BJD leaders charged the opposition of creating ruckus in the house to stall the proceedings on many important issues.