The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday following his statement claiming that the long-standing Mahanadi River water dispute “is not a dispute.”
In a press release issued by former Minister and BJD Vice-President Pratap Jena, the party labelled the statement unacceptable and accused Chhattisgarh of being the sole creator of the crisis. While welcoming Sai’s visit to Odisha to seek blessings at the Lord Jagannath Temple, the opposition party warned that his remarks have sparked serious doubts among the public regarding whether the current Odisha government will surrender the state’s vital water rights.
The conflict stems from Chhattisgarh’s construction of several upstream barrages on the Mahanadi River, which Odisha claims has severely curtailed water flow during non-monsoon months. The dispute remains under adjudication before a tribunal constituted under Supreme Court directions. BJD has consistently demanded that these upper-reach barrages be declared illegal and that Odisha’s non-monsoon water share be strictly guaranteed.
Jena criticised the BJP-led state administration, pointing out that despite promises made under a “triple-engine” governance model, the issue remains unresolved after two and a half years in power. He drew parallels to past issues like the Polavaram project and the MMDR Amendment Act, alleging that Odisha’s interests were repeatedly sidelined.
Reiterating the party’s firm stance, Jena warned that BJD would take to the streets if any attempts are made to compromise Odisha’s natural resources and ecological future under the guise of mutual discussions.
