BHUBANESWAR: The Opposition Congress on Wednesday stalled the proceedings of the Assembly for the entire day protesting against the State Government’s decision to hike value-added tax (VAT) on medicine and several other essential commodities. The House had to be adjourned six times as the Congress members stormed into the well of the House shouting slogans.As soon as the House assembled for the day, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh stood up and flashed a newspaper carrying a report about the decision to raise VAT on several items.Accusing the State Government of taking this step to please businessmen at the cost of the poor people, Singh said it showed that the BJD had commitment towards the business community, which had funded the party for the recently-concluded panchayat elections. VAT on several items was raised only to honour that commitment, he said.The Governor’s address on Tuesday mentioned that the State’s financial position is strong, Singh said, adding that there is no need to raise VAT on articles which will hit the poor hard. What is the urgency to raise VAT and impose a burden of `400 crore on the people, he asked.As Congress members rushed into the well raising slogans against the Government and its decision to hike tax, the Speaker adjourned the House till 12 noon.When the House reassembled, Singh alleged that now that the polls were over, the BJD has started taking decisions which will hit the common people. What prompted the Government to raise VAT on essential items in a hurry when the Assembly is in session, he asked. As Singh came down heavily on the State Government also over issues like the recent hooch tragedy, NCP leader Amar Prasad Satpathy raised the matter relating to the recent attack on party MLA Nabin Nanda in Dhenkanal district. As noisy scenes prevailed with Opposition members asking the Speaker to ensure protection to the legislators, the House was adjourned thrice in quick successions for discussion with the political parties for smooth transaction of business. The House could not transact any business in the afternoon session also as the Congress members raised slogans and continued with their protest. The House had to be adjourned at 4 pm for the day. Speaker Pradip Amat convened an all-party meeting in a bid to find a way out to end the impasse. The State Government is likely to respond to the demands raised by the Opposition.
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