BJD hits out at Chhattisgarh CM over ‘Mahanadi water dispute not a dispute’ remark

Bhubaneswar: Following the statement of visiting Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Bhubaneswar saying that the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute is no longer being treated as a dispute, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) raised concerns. In a statement issued to the media, former Minister and BJD Vice-President Pratap Jena alleged the BJP-led Odisha Government was compromising the interests of the State over the issue. Jena said since the BJP came to power in Odisha, leaders of the ruling party have been advocating for resolving the Mahanadi issue through discussions. However, he questioned the basis on which such discussions would be held. He said there was apprehension among the people of Odisha that the State’s interests could be affected while arriving at a solution to the dispute. Reacting to Sai’s statement that the long-standing issue was “not a dispute”, Jena said the remark had surprised people in the State. He alleged the statement had raised concerns that Odisha’s interests were being compromised by the State Government. “Even after two-and-a-half years of the BJP Government being in power in Odisha, the Mahanadi issue remains where it was,” Jena said. The BJD vice-president also alleged Odisha’s interests were ignored in connection with the Polavaram project and claimed the State’s interests were compromised through the MMDR Amendment Act. Jena demanded Odisha’s requirement of water during the non-monsoon period be ensured and the barrages constructed by Chhattisgarh on the Mahanadi be declared illegal. He also warned of protests if, according to the BJD, Odisha’s interests were compromised in the process of resolving the issue. Earlier in the day, Sai, who is on a two-day visit to Odisha, said the Mahanadi water issue was no longer being treated as a dispute and that discussions had already been held in Delhi to find a solution.