Bhubaneswar, April 1 The opposition BJD protested the "sudden" end of the Odisha assembly session late Wednesday night, suspecting a "conspiracy" by the BJP to undermine the legacy of former chief minister Biju Patnaik.
Addressing a press conference here, deputy leader of the opposition, Prasanna Acharya, BJD senior vice president Debi Prasad Mishra, and vice president Atanu S Nayak said the state's BJP government was "two-faced," not "double-engine."
Acharya alleged that the state BJP government abruptly ended the assembly session late Wednesday night, despite submitting a formal written demand on Tuesday to introduce a motion of condemnation against the "offensive" remarks made against Biju Patnaik by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
"The Speaker had accepted the proposal and assured the House that the matter would be discussed. However, the session was abruptly ended in order to avoid the motion of condemnation," Acharya told reporters.
Stating that Dubey has hurt people across India, Acharya said the remarks have deeply offended the entire Odia community, sparking protests from Delhi to 'palli' (villages).
"However, it is surprising that the political party (BJP), represented by Dubey, has not issued any official response, raising questions among citizens," he said.
Acharya further pointed out that during Zero Hour in the assembly on Tuesday, members strongly criticised Dubey's remarks and submitted a proposal to the Speaker for a formal motion of condemnation.
After discussion, the Speaker accepted it and said the timing of the debate would be decided by the Business Advisory Committee. However, unexpectedly, the assembly session was adjourned sine die at midnight, he said.
Acharya alleged that following the demand for a motion of condemnation against Dubey, the government avoided discussion by prematurely ending the session.
This reflects the government's "two-faced" nature, he said.
Mishra said, "The lack of official condemnation from the chief minister or the BJP suggests a possible conspiracy to undermine the dignity and legacy of a great leader like Biju babu, and indicates BJP's involvement."
Nayak questioned the BJP's silence over Dubey's "assault on Odia Asmita" (pride).
"Why is the BJP government, which came to power in the name of Odia Asmita, now silent over insult to Biju babu, a symbol of that identity," he asked.
The BJD leader said that insulting Biju Patnaik is equivalent to insulting the entire Odia community and its identity. He urged the CM and BJP state president Manmohan Samal to condemn the remarks.