Odisha BJP to publish white paper on Mahanadi water dispute

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Aug 5:

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today announced that Odisha unit of BJP will come up with a white paper on the Mahanadi water dispute to make data and facts on the issue clear to the people.

BJP Dharmendra Pradhan

“We had asked the State Government to publish a white paper on the issue to make facts clear. However, they are afraid to do so. They are worried that it might expose their lies. In this case, BJP will release a white paper on the water resources in Odisha, the water sharing agreement between states and the Mahanadi dispute,” said Pradhan speaking to reporters in Bhubaneswar party office today.

He further assured that the Union Government has been briefed about the issue and the Center will ensure that Odisha does not lose out on its share of Mahanadi’s water.

“The Central Government is aware of the issue. Both Uma Bharti and Sanjeev Balyan have made it clear that there will be no compromises made to the interests of Odisha. As a representative of the Union Government, I can assure you that we are committed to it,” he added.

Reacting to the series of agitation by Biju Janata Dal over the issue and the recent all-party meeting that was held sans BJD, he took pot shots at the ruling party of the state.

“It appears, politics is the only thing they (BJD) know of.  We are not opposed to some party exercising its democratic rights. However, that should not be the only thing they do. They cannot turn their face away from the administrative obligations,” said Pradhan.

“Naveen Patnaik had a wonderful chance to unite the state and fight for the cause. However, politics is more important for them over the interests of the state.  I would like to reiterate that BJP will ensure that Odisha doesn’t lose out on even a drop of water from Mahanadi,” he added.

Reacting to Pradhan’s statements, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Prasanna Acharya indirectly alleged that Pradhan is batting for Chhattisgarh Government.

“Men who were born in Odisha are now going against the interests of the state and advocating for the interests of another. We have been asking Chhattisgarh Government to stop construction. However, that is not happening. If the Union Government is so serious about the issue, the Prime Minister should intervene and ask Chhattisgarh to stop construction,” said Acharya.

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