Odisha Assembly debate on Odia people stranded in Gulf conflict concerns

Opposition parties in the Odisha Assembly accused the state government of lacking concern for Odia people reportedly stranded in Gulf countries during the ongoing West Asia conflict. BJD MLAs questioned whether there is a plan to bring affected residents home and said families are under severe mental strain, urging official action.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Opposition parties raised concerns in the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday about Odia people stuck in Gulf countries amid the conflict in West Asia. The issue came up through an adjournment notice moved by Chief Whip Pramilla Mallik and Pratap Keshari Deb. Members questioned what support the state was offering as air links were cancelled.

During the debate, Opposition MLAs said about 3–4 lakh Odia people were stranded in Gulf countries. Most were said to be from Kendrapara, Ganjam and Puri districts. Members also warned that the war in West Asia was pushing up LPG prices. They added that prices of other essential goods could rise too.

Odisha Assembly Gulf countries debate raises evacuation questions

Initiating the discussion, BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo asked if the government had any plan to bring back Odia people caught in the middle of war. Arun Kumar Sahoo said the BJP rose to power citing Odia Ashmita and Odia price. Arun Kumar Sahoo alleged it failed to protect people in hard times.

BJD MLA Captain D S Mishra said: The people of Odisha want to know what the governments plan is to evacuate people if the war escalates. Has the state government taken up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs? he asked. The remark pressed the government on links with the Centre.

Odisha Assembly Gulf countries discussion includes calls to stop war

BJD member Dhruba Charan Sahoo said families of those in Gulf countries were under severe mental tension. Dhruba Charan Sahoo urged the state to move a House resolution seeking an end to the war. Let the Odisha Assembly become the first in the country by making an appeal to stop war, Sahoo said.

Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati criticised the BJP government during the discussion. Taraprasad Bahinipati said the government stayed focused on Rajya Sabha polls instead. Taraprasad Bahinipati argued that the concerns of stranded Odias needed more attention during the conflict.

Odisha Assembly Gulf countries response cites monitoring and helpline

Replying, Odisha Labour and Employment minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi were watching developments closely since the war began. Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said the state formed a working group to track events. Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia added the IT cell was checking social media posts.

Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said a toll-free WhatsApp number was set up for families. The number was meant to receive messages about relatives stranded in conflict zones. After the statement, Opposition parties expressed displeasure. Both Opposition parties then walked out of the Assembly in protest.

With inputs from PTI