Bhubaneswar, 13 November (H.S.): The Congress has decided to boycott the orientation programme for legislators to be attended by the Vice-President, triggering a political debate in Odisha. The party has also urged the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to join the boycott.

Speaking on the issue, OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das said the President and Vice-President hold constitutional positions and deserve due respect. However, he alleged that legislators were not being given adequate respect under the present government, making a boycott necessary.

He further claimed that opposition MLAs were already well-trained and did not require such orientation, adding that BJP legislators were the ones who needed training.

The Congress leader also appealed to the BJD to boycott the programme along with his party.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda