Ex-ministers seek Speakers consent

BHUBANESWAR: Three BJD MLAs, who were dropped from the ministry in the reshuffle effected by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on May 9, on Friday gave notice seeking consent of Speaker Pradip Amat to make statements in the House on their resignation.  The three MLAs are Damodar Rout, Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha and Praveen Bhanjadeo. The issue was raised in the House by Opposition Chief Whip Prasad Harichandan who said the members can give statements in the House if they want.  Referring to Rout, Harichandan said he resigned on May 9 when Assembly was not in session. The members can demand to know the reasons behind his resignation. But Amar Prasad Satpathy (NCP), by quoting rules of procedure, wanted to counter Harichandan.   Supporting Harichandan, Rout said  members have a right to seek clarification on the resignation of a minister.