Bhubaneswar, Apr 23 (IANS): The opposition Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday created a ruckus in the Odisha Assembly over what they called the "increasing number of rape cases" in the state.

They also demanded a statement by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the issue. The government assured of strong action against the culprits and said that the Assembly will discuss the matter on April 26.

When the house assembled for the day, several Congress and BJP MLAs rushed near the Speaker's podium and created a ruckus, forcing Speaker Pradip Amat to adjourn the house till 3 p.m.

"Rape cases are increasing across the state. It seems the culprits are not afraid of the law. There is no law in the land. The Chief Minister should make a statement...," Leader of the Opposition Narasingha Mishra told the media later.

BJP MLA Rabi Naik said while minors are being raped, the BJD government has failed to book the culprits and ensure justice to the victims.

On the other hand, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said the government is taking strong action. "We are all saddened by such incidents. Strong action will be taken against those involved in such heinous crime. A discussion on the issue will be held in the house on April 26," government Chief Whip Amar Prasad Satpathy said.