Its Maoist Government in Odisha: Congress

BHUBANESWAR: The Congress on Tuesday reiterated its demand for a CBI probe into the alleged agreement between the BJD and the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS). Non-fulfilment of the pact led to the abduction of Laxmipur BJD legislator Jhina Hikaka, the Opposition party said.Participating in the discussion on adjournment motion on the issue, Congress Chief Whip Prasad Harichandan alleged that the MLA was kidnapped as his party did not honour a ‘secret deal’ struck with the Maoist-backed CMAS during the recent Zilla Parishad elections.Hikaka was kidnapped by Maoists as the Government did not fulfil conditions of the agreement, he claimed and dubbed the BJD regime a ‘Maoist government’ which is responsible for the abduction. Harichandan claimed that Hikaka was among the four BJD MLAs besides the BJD MP from Koraput who were signatories to the agreement.Harichandan alleged that the incident was an outcome of the BJD’s ‘unholy’ nexus with the CMAS, an organisation banned by the State Government in 2006. How can the ruling party enter into an agreement with an organisation which was banned for its links with the Maoists? he asked. He also demanded a clarification from the Chief Minister.“This is not simply an abduction of an MLA, but abduction of the State’s authority which has knelt down before the Maoists,” he said participating in the adjournment motion on ‘MLA abducted, Does Government exist?'Harichandan also alleged that non-fulfilment of Government’s earlier promises to Maoists during the abduction of the then Malkangiri collector R Vineel Krishna is another reason behind the abductions in the State. He said instead of engaging bureaucrats for negotiations, there should be talks at the political level.Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat allowed the debate, but cautioned the participants not to say anything which could affect the release of the hostages.Criticising the ‘opportunistic agreement’ between the BJD and the CMAS, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh alleged that the MLA had been sacrificed for a vote to capture the ZP president’s post.BJP lawmaker Jaynarayan Mishra alleged that the Government does not have the will to combat Maoists. Because of its laxity, Maoists have spread their activities from two districts to 24 districts, he said. The State Government should initiate steps to tackle the situation, he added.Pratap Chandra Sarangi (Ind) said the State Government should decide on its action against the Maoists. The Government is in two minds, whether to placate the Maoists or stamp them out, he said and added that the links between the BJD and the CMAS should be investigated.Damodar Rout (BJD) said Maoism can be tackled by making some fundamental changes in governance. His party colleagues Kalpataru Das, Ashok Panda and Sanjay Dasburma said Hikaka was working for the tribals.