Orissa Assembly adjourned for 110 min

The Maoists attack in Nayagarh at five police establishments which left 14 policemen dead rocked the Orissa assembly on February 18 forcing it to be adjourned for 110 minutes with the entire Opposition storming the well demanding a discussion on the killings.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, Leader of Opposition JB Patnaik said a discussion on the issue should be taken up by suspending the question hour in view of its importance involving public interest.

While Patnaik pointed out that a notice in this regard had already been given, Speaker Maheswar Mohanty said the Business Advisory Committee would discuss the matter and take a decision on it.

Endorsing the Speaker's views, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Raghunath Mohanty observed there was no justification for cancelling the question hour and the issue would be taken up as per BAC's decision.

Agitated over their demand being turned down, Congress members trooped into the well raising slogans against the government even as the Speaker called for questions listed for the day.

Members of other Opposition parties also joined the Congress MLAs in the well amidst slogans like 'Naveen government down down', while some of them were seen removing the microphone on the Speaker's table.

As pandemonium descended on the house, the Speaker adjourned the house till 1230 hrs.