The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Odisha government, accusing it of failing to take decisive action to resolve the long-standing Mahanadi river water dispute with Chhattisgarh.
The opposition party claimed that the state government’s indecision and lack of clear strategy have allowed Chhattisgarh to construct multiple check dams and barrages over the past 19 months, severely affecting Odisha’s water share.
Addressing a press conference at Shankha Bhawan, senior BJD leaders — Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya, Senior Vice-President Debi Prasad Mishra, and MLA Niranjan Pujari — alleged that the BJP government is caught in a dilemma between pursuing out-of-court negotiations and relying on the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.
Debi Prasad Mishra said the state government lacks a clear stance on resolving the dispute. “Initially, they spoke of resolving it through negotiations, but no progress was made. Later, they talked about approaching the tribunal, but failed to request an extension of its term in time, earning a reprimand from the tribunal itself,” he said.
Prasanna Acharya accused the government of complicating the situation instead of finding a solution. “Since the BJP came to power, multiple check dams and barrages have been built upstream in Chhattisgarh. The government is busy making statements but has taken no concrete steps,” he said. He pointed out that there is no precedent in India of an interstate water dispute being resolved through mutual negotiations alone. Acharya also recalled that under the previous BJD government led by Naveen Patnaik, efforts were made for negotiated settlement with central mediation, but Chhattisgarh’s non-cooperation and the Centre’s silence forced Odisha to approach the Supreme Court, leading to the tribunal’s formation.
The BJD leaders alleged that the state government is prioritising party interests over the people of Odisha. “With the same party in power in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and at the Centre, people expected a quick resolution, but nothing has happened,” Acharya said, adding that the ministerial committee formed by the government has held only internal meetings and cancelled planned consultations with other political parties and stakeholders.
Niranjan Pujari, a member of the ministerial committee, confirmed that a proposed all-party and stakeholder meeting scheduled for January 23 and a ministerial delegation visit to Chhattisgarh on January 31 were both cancelled at the last minute without explanation.
The opposition demanded that the state government immediately clarify its position and take urgent steps to protect Odisha’s rights over Mahanadi water.
