BJD and BJP Clash Over Mahanadi River Water Conflict
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 23, a verbal clash arose between BJP and BJD regarding the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute after the meeting of Odisha and Chhattisgarh chief ministers. BJD accused BJP of politicizing the issue while pressing for immediate cessation of constructions by Chhattisgarh.
Key Takeaways
- Verbal conflict between BJP and BJD over Mahanadi water dispute.
- BJD demands halt to Chhattisgarh's barrage construction.
- Dialogue between CMs of both states to seek solutions.
- BJP urged to resolve issues without politicization.
- Water sharing remains a contentious issue for both states.
Bhubaneswar, March 23 (NationPress) A verbal clash erupted on Sunday between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) regarding the Mahanadi water-sharing conflict, stemming from the meeting of the chief ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh on Saturday.
The primary opposition party criticized the BJP, stating that Chhattisgarh must first halt the ongoing construction of barrages along the river for any productive discussions to take place.
Senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya commented on the talks between the two states’ CMs, saying: "We welcome the discussions on this matter. For any fruitful dialogue and a mutual resolution that safeguards Odisha's interests, the Chhattisgarh government must cease all construction activities and engage in talks."
He urged the ruling BJP to take action to settle the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute instead of merely pointing fingers, especially since there is a triple-engine government involving Odisha, the Centre, and Chhattisgarh.
Additionally, he questioned the effectiveness of the dialogue between the chief ministers since the matter is still pending in the tribunal.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan remarked, "The Union government organized a meeting for representatives of both states in 2016 to address this issue, which resulted in three meetings. The former CM of Odisha attended the first but skipped the latter two. The previous BJD-led government approached the tribunal for its political gain,”
He pointed out that the current BJP, when in opposition, had cautioned the BJD government against resorting to the tribunal due to its lengthy procedures.
Harichandan urged the BJD to stop politicizing the Mahanadi water dispute, assuring that the government will take all necessary actions promptly, prioritizing the interests of Odisha.
It is noteworthy that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the Lok Seva Bhavan during his visit on Saturday.
The meeting, characterized by a friendly atmosphere, involved discussions on various topics, primarily focusing on peacefully resolving the Mahanadi water dispute.
Both leaders committed to prioritizing the issue and seeking constructive solutions that benefit the citizens of both states.
It is essential to highlight that the distribution of Mahanadi river water has long been a contentious issue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Odisha has claimed that the Chhattisgarh government is constructing dams and weirs upstream of the Mahanadi river, which adversely affects the downstream flow and impacts drinking water availability.
