Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was on Tuesday injured in a scuffle between ruling and opposition members in the state assembly in Bhubaneswar over the government's agreement with a private company on bauxite mining.
Dissatisfied with Steel and Mines Minister Padmanav Behera's reply on the issue during question hour, Congress members rushed to the well of the house and scuffles ensued below the podium of Speaker Maheswar Mohanty.
Some opposition and ruling coalition members, who were pushing each other, moved towards the chief minister's chair. In the melee, the desk in front of Naveen Patnaik toppled.
Patnaik's left foot got trapped under the desk and he was in great pain. Some legislators rushed to his aid and extricated his foot from under the desk. He was helped out of the house even as the speaker adjourned proceedings.
The chief minister was taken to the chamber of Panchayati Raj Minister Damodar Rout, which was closest to the assembly.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Bijoyshree Routray told reporters that Patnaik would be taken to a hospital for a precautionary x-ray as his foot was swollen.
© 2024 Rediff.com -