Orissa opposition MLAs end 14-day dharna inside assembly

Orissa opposition legislators, who were on an unprecedented dharna inside the state assembly for the past 14 days protesting its sine die adjournment two weeks ahead of schedule, ended their agitation today.
    
The opposition MLAs, belonging to Congress and BJP besides Independents, also held mock assembly during the period after the Speaker adjourned the winter session sine die on December 5 against its scheduled closure on December 19.
    
"In the fourteen days, we discussed 89 questions and 11 adjournment motions. It also passed five motions," the Leader of the Opposition, Bhupinder Singh said.

Congress chief whip, Prasad Harichandan said the state government had abruptly ended the winter session fearing discussions on the multi-crore mining scam and growing incidents of suicide by farmers in the state.
    
"It was nothing but a publicity drama", said parliamentary affairs minister Raghunath Mohanty.