Bhubaneswar: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling’s demand for arrest of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik is laughable, said the Biju Janata Dal.
The Minister sought arrest of the BJD supremo alleging indiscipline during the address of Governor Raghubar Das on the opening day of the 17th Legislative Assembly. Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has supported the views of Mahaling.
The opposition BJD has strongly reacted the remarks of the Ministers, stating that they lack experience and maturity.
The BJP is new to power and lacks adequate knowledge about the rules to ensure proper functioning of the Assembly, the BJD said.
BJD MLA Arun Sahoo said that he has never seen anyone getting arrested over any Assembly or Parliament proceedings.
He also urged the BJP leaders to refrain from making ‘ridiculous’ statements.
BJD MLA Pratap Keshari Deb has also come down heavily on the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
As per Mahaling, Naveen Patnaik should be arrested because he fought for Odia Asmita. The Governor’s office and the Governor’s son attacked an Odia. Naveen fought to protect the law and worked for the interests of Odisha, Deb said.