Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today congratulated
Surya Narayan Patro elected unanimously as the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative
Assembly.
The chief minister said Patro has been a member of the house since 1990 and has highlighted the problems and requirements of the people.
He said Patro has deep concern for the weaker sections of the people and has served efficiently as a Minister under various government.
Patnaik said he was sure, Patro will be a successful Speaker. The chief minister thanked all the members of the house for electing Mr Patro as the Speaker and requested the members to extend their support and cooperation
to the Speaker in discharging his duties. “Since the Legislative Assembly is an exalted pillar of democracy, all of us should uphold the dignity of the august house by our conduct,’’ he said
The chief minister also thanked Amar Prasad Satpathy for discharging his duties as the Protem Speaker and successfully conducting the proceedings of the house. Satpathy congratulated Mr Patro on being elected as the Speaker.
He said Patro who has been a member of the house since 1990 will perform the duties of the Speaker most efficiently with his vast legislative experience, rapport with the members and his administrative ability.
Satpathy hoped that during his tenure as Speake Patro will uphold the dignity of the August house and said, ‘’ I am sure all members of this house will cooperate him in conducting the business of the house most successfully.’’
Narasingha Mishra (Cong) also congratulated Patro and requested him to ensure that all members of the house get justice. He should also protect the interest of the house and the members.
Lone CPI(M) member Laxman Munda also spoke on the occasion. Patro thanked all members including the Chief Minister and the Parliamentary
Affairs Minister for unanimously electing him as the Speaker of the Odisha legislative Assembly. He requested all members to maintain the dignity of the house. The absence of the BJP members during the election of the Speaker drew sharp criticism.
State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh described the absence of the BJP members as very unfortunate. Arukh regretted that though all the members of the house were informed about the election of Speaker well in advance but none of the the BJP members turned up for the event.
Narasingha Mishra also disapproved the absence of the BJP members during the election of the Speaker and described it as a danger to democracy.
