BJD’s Pratap Deb points out “gross anomaly” in arrangements for MLA orientation program

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 18 (ANI): Alleging “gross anomaly,” Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Pratap Deb on Sunday criticised the arrangements for the two-day orientation program organised for the newly-elected MLAs of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Speaking to ANI regarding the program on Sunday, Deb raised concerns over the participation of union ministers in the program.

According to Deb, the legislative assembly recently issued a notice informing all MLAs about the two-day orientation program where it was mentioned that it would be inaugurated by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and concluded with a valedictory speech by Union Minister JP Nadda.

Deb expressed his dissatisfaction, arguing that the presence of BJP leaders while the Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker are in attendance, represents a significant anomaly.

“We pointed out that when central ministers will come to inaugurate and validate the program and the Chief Minister and Speaker are sitting there it will be a gross anomaly. We have raised our concerns about this situation with the Speaker and requested that these issues be addressed,” Deb said.

“Unless these anomalies are rectified, we have decided that BJD MLAs will not participate in the training program.”

Deb further said that the BJD will conduct its own training program for its MLAs on August 25.