Odisha CM treated Mahanadi as BJD property, alleges KV Singh Deo

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Sep 13: 

A day after Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sought opinion from public, organisations and political parties over Mahanadi water dispute, Leader of BJP legislature party in Odisha Assembly KV Singh Deo today alleged that Patnaik had been treating Mahanadi as the personal property of his party.

“Mahanadi is not the property of Biju Janata Dal. This is the lifeline of Odisha and property of Odias. The Chief Minister, however, had been treating it like the personal property of BJD. His statement seeking opinion from others now proves it,” said Singh Deo speaking to reporters.

He further criticized Biju Janata Dal for avoiding the all-party meeting and added, ”The Chief Minister will get the correct opinion only if he holds talks with all the political parties. Let him discuss the issue with all the parties, if he is so concerned about the interest of the state. He should hold talks with the Union Government after consulting everyone”.

Apart from Singh Deo, Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Narasingha Mishra and PCC President Prasad Harichandan also took potshots at the government.

“What is the point of taking suggestions if the government is already prepared for the meeting with the Centre? This government has fooled the people of the state since past 16 years over Mahanadi,” said PCC President Prasad Harichandan.

Mishra, on the other hand, said that the Chief Minister’s statement was “valueless” and “an attempt to show-off before the public”. He further suggested the government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the issue.