Bhubaneswar, Feb 6: The Odisha Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on the second day of its ongoing Budget session on Tuesday as Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra staged a dharna in the Well of the House, demanding return of land from the Vedanta Company.

During Zero Hour, Mishra sat in a chair in the middle of the House and urged the Speaker to direct the State government to bring back the land handed over to the Vedanta on Puri outskirts. He alleged that the State Government has shown undue favour to the Vedanta.

In her response, Speaker Pramila Mallick said she would first examine the issue and then give a ruling. However, Mishra insisted on his demand and threatened to continue his dharna until the Speaker didn't give a ruling in compliance with an order of the Supreme Court.

"The State government had inked an agreement to construct a four-lane road for Vedanta and waived off all taxes due to the company," he alleged and wanted to know why the government showed so much favour to the company.

He also wanted to know why the State government has remained silent even after the Lok Pal, High Court, and the Supreme Court issued directions in these regards. He wanted to know why the Chief Minister had not taken any action even while he always preaches about cleanliness in the governance system.

Further, he criticized the government for "resolving to provide 15,000 acres of land to Vedanta, while the latter wanted 3,000 acres."

"This means, there was ulterior motive behind the project (Vedanta University) and the Chief Minister is corrupt," he pointed out.

As Mishra didn't return to his seat despite her requests, Mallick adjourned the House twice till 4 pm.

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