Odisha Parliamentary Affairs minister demands arrest of Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik for 'indiscipline' in Assembly

With the Odisha Legislative Assembly still in turmoil for the second day, Mukesh Mahaling, the Odisha government's Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, and Electronic and Information Technology, demanded the arrest of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on July 23 for alleged indiscipline during Governor Raghubar Das' address in the House on July 22.

Mahaling accused Patnaik of violating House rules, adding he should be imprisoned for the alleged indiscipline.

Meanwhile, the BJD said Mahaling's statement demonstrates the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) lack of experience in administering the government.

While addressing the media, BJD leader Arun Kumar Sahoo said, "What he referred to demonstrates his lack of experience." I've never seen someone arrested in the history of Vidhan Sabha proceedings."

Meanwhile, Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House on July 23 until 10:30 am on July 24 as the opposition continued to create ruckus over the alleged assault on an assistant section officer by Governor Das's son.

After House proceedings resumed at 4 pm on July 23, BJD and Congress MLAs marched to the House Well and began sloganeering, demanding action against the Governor's son.