The recent dialogue between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai over the Mahanadi water dispute has sparked sharp reactions from the Opposition in Odisha.
Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya questioned the relevance of the talks, calling them meaningless if Chhattisgarh continues constructing barrages on the Mahanadi River.
Acharya pointed out that the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute has dragged on for years with multiple failed dialogues, including several tripartite meetings involving the Centre. He blamed Chhattisgarh’s rigid stance for stalling progress.
“Even during Naveen Patnaik’s tenure, we raised this issue repeatedly with the Centre, but no amicable solution was reached due to Chhattisgarh’s stubbornness. Unless they stop barrage construction, these recent talks won’t yield any result,” Acharya said.
The two Chief Ministers met on Saturday at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, where CM Mohan Majhi described the discussions as “positive” and expressed hope for a resolution to the long-standing dispute. However, Acharya remained skeptical, warning that the barrages would reduce water flow into Odisha — directly affecting farmers, drinking water supply, and the state’s ecological balance.
BJP Defends Talks, Calls Meeting ‘Historic’
Reacting to the criticism, BJP spokesperson Tejeswar Parida defended the meeting, blaming the previous BJD government for failing to resolve the issue during its 24-year rule.
“The problem is not new; it worsened under the previous BJD regime. People know why it couldn’t be resolved. The recent talks between both CMs mark a historic and positive step towards finding a solution,” Parida stated.
With stakes high for Odisha’s farmers and environment, all eyes are now on the next move in this decades-old river water battle.
