Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jul 31:

Odisha Congress President Prasad Harichandan today alleged that Biju Janata Dal led Odisha Government was aware of the construction of barrages in the upper catchment of Mahanadi by Chhattisgarh Government and intentionally kept the people of Odisha in dark.

Prasad press meet-congress

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar today, Prasad took on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and held him accountable.

“Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was the Minister of Water Resources when Chhattisgarh Government constructed the barrages and informed Odisha. He has no moral right to continue in power as he kept the people of the state in the dark intentionally,” said Prasad.

“Even though Chhattisgarh Government notified Odisha and the State Government was well aware of the issue, the latter took no action. They have put the future of Mahanadi in jeopardy in their 16-year long rule by letting Chhattisgarh construct barrages and dams,” he added.

Biju Janata Dal, however, refuted the allegation.

“It is a serious matter pertaining to the interest of the state. We expect all political parties to come together and fight to defend it. However, some political parties are trying to gain political mileage out of it. Those who are supporting the attitude of Chhattisgarh Government are its agents,” said Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma.