By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/NEW DELHI: “In a proud moment for #Odisha, an Odia MP has presided over the Rajya Sabha proceedings after 20 years. While debuting as Vice Chairman of Rajya Sabha, BJD MP Dr.@sasmitpatra dedicated the moment to Party President Shri @Naveen_Odisha,” Biju Janata Dal tweeted @bjd_odisha. The tweet of BJD shown, how the regional outfit recognised this historic event.
“Dr. @sasmitpatra presides over Rajya Sabha proceedings as Deputy Chairman today, becoming the first Odia after 20 years to hold this Chair. It is a matter of great pride for #Odisha,” BJD’s Kandhamal Lok Sabha MP Achyuta Samanta tweeted @achyuta_samanta.
“I’m so proud to share this screenshot of one of my dearest brothers @sasmitpatra bhai while he was on the prestigious Chair in the #RajyaSabha today. This has undoubtedly made every Odia feel proud. Thanks to Hon’ble Shri @Naveen_Odisha Sir for encouraging #TheYouthOfOdisha,” tweeted Kendrapara BJD Lok Sabha MP Anubhav Mohanty@AnubhavMohanty.
After 20 years, an Odia MP presided over the Rajya Sabha proceedings. Biju Janata Dal MP Dr Sasmit Patra debuted as a Vice Chairman of Rajya Sabha in the House on Saturday.During the discussion on Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 Bill, the MP from Odisha presided and conducted the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha Chamber.
On his taking the Chair, MPs cutting across Party lines felicitated and congratulated Dr Patra for debuting as the Vice-Chairman. After the Session closed for the day, several Rajya Sabha MPs extended their best wishes and remarked that despite being one of the youngest MPs in the House, he conducted the House in a polite manner and with patience.
Dr Sasmit Patra dedicated this significant occasion to his leader and Hon’ble Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and 4.5 crore people of Odisha, without whom this journey to the Rajya Sabha would not have been possible in the first place. Its indeed a proud moment for Odisha and its people to see an Odia preside over the House of Elders or Upper House in Parliament.
