Pravash Pradhan
Post News Network
New Delhi: Orissa’s bid for special category status was defeated in the Lok Sabha Thursday by voice vote.
BJD leader Bhartruhari Mahatab moved an amendment demanding special category status for Orissa during the motion of thanks on President Pranab Mukherjee’s address.
“There are 23 amendments that I have moved, but I will be passing only one amendment for consideration. That amendment relates to the need to accord special category status to the state of Orissa,” said Mahatab in the Lok Sabha.
Mahatab also demanded a division of votes on this issue. “I want a division on this because this is a very emotional issue for Orissa. We have heard with what passion the Prime Minister spoke, but not a single word has been uttered about Orissa. I know that in relation to the motion of thanks on the President’s address, this is very uncommon,” he said.
As many as 76 members voted in favour of the motion with 222 members, including the BJP and its allies voting against it. Nine members were absent.
The ruling BJP has termed this as a political stunt. “It was purely a political demand. The 14th Finance Commission has earlier said that special category status should not be given to any state. So the government has no role in this regard. It is unfortunate that BJD is trying to politicise the issue and trying to cover up its failures on development front,” said Union minister for tribal affairs Jual Oram.
