BHUBANESWAR: The murder of Kalahandi school teacher Mamita Meher is likely to dominate the winter session of the assembly starting from Wednesday.
The opposition parties, which have already mounted attack on the state government demanding dismissal of minister of state (home) Dibya Shankar Mishra for his alleged association with Gobinda Sahu, the key accused in the murder case, want a discussion on the issue on priority.
"We will demand a discussion on the Mamita issue by suspending all businesses and to hand over the case to the CBI. Our party will also raise other issues like the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, including rising crime against women, and missing children," BJP MLA and opposition chief whip Mohan Majhi said.
Congress legislature party leader Narasingha Mishra has also stated that the party would demand inquiry by a special investigation team (SIT) under the direct supervision of the chief justice or any other high court judge into the murder case.
Both the opposition parties held their legislature party meetings here to discuss the strategy for the forthcoming session. Lack of infrastructure at the mandis and irregularities in paddy procurement, boundary dispute with neighbouring states, unemployment, price rise, irregularities in implementation of rural housing schemes and misutilization of district mineral foundation (DMF) fund are among other issues that the opposition parties plan to raise to corner the government.
The treasury bench also held its legislature party meeting, which was virtually attended by chief minister Naveen Patnaik. The BJD, which has launched agitation against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre over price rise, especially fuel, may further step up attacks during the winter session. It may also raise other issues pertaining to the state's interests to target the Centre.
Government chief whip Pramila Mallik said the government is ready to discuss all issues raised by opposition parties.
