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Orissa CM feasts while nation pays tribute to Kargil martyrs

M I Khan in Bhubaneswar

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, his Cabinet colleagues and other politicians feasted at the Chandika wildlife sanctuary on Wednesday when the country was paying tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil conflict.

Patnaik and his party colleagues, ministers and politicians of alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party, and legislators of the main opposition Congress all nearly forgot to observe 'Kargil Divas', feasting on delicacies in the sanctuary instead. .

Fortunately, the politicians paid their 'tribute' later in the evening.

The lunch, attended by about 700 persons and hosted by Congress legislator and former minister Sureshkumar Routray, was in violation of the Protection of Wildlife Act.

"The lunch was a grand success," said a Congress leader close to Routray. But he admitted that it was embarrassing when the ruling coalition partner leaders were reminded of the significance of the day.

"BJP ministers and legislators proved they were no different from Biju Janata Dal and Congress leaders," said social activist Jagadish Pradhan.

"There was a large crowd and everybody was there to enjoy," a businessman who attended the party told rediff.com on condition of anonymity. "Everyone was in a mood for celebration. So were the politicians."

There were several delicacies ranging from meat to tiger prawns, Chilika crabs, fish, mushrooms and other local dishes.

History was created in the Orissa assembly on Wednesday when the House could not meet for 28 minutes in the afternoon as ministers, legislators and Deputy Speaker Ramchandra Panda returned late from the lunch.

The assembly was to meet after the recess at 15.02 hours. The deputy speaker, who was to be in the chair, as the Speaker was away in his constituency Mahanga in Cuttack district, arrived only at 15.30 hours.

The House reassembled, but was adjourned for lack of quorum for 15 minutes. Only seven members, including some ministers, were present in the House.

The members blamed their delay on an accident involving a bus carrying journalists from the sanctuary.

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