Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Friday witnessed uproarious scenes as opposition members protested against the ongoing multipurpose Polavaram Project.
The chaos led Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the House proceedings twice, with the final adjournment extending till 4 p.m.
The pandemonium began during the question hour when Congress MLAs stormed the well of the House, protesting against the rejection of their adjournment motion seeking a discussion on the Polavaram issue. They were soon joined by BJD members, who raised slogans against the BJP-led Central government.
The Speaker initially adjourned the House till 11:30 a.m., but the protests resumed when proceedings reconvened, forcing another adjournment until 4 p.m. Explaining her decision to reject the motion, Speaker Padhy stated that the Polavaram issue is sub judice and, therefore, cannot be debated in the Assembly.
Outside the Assembly, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reiterated his party’s commitment to protecting Odisha’s interests. “The BJD has always fought for the people of Odisha, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
Congress MLA Rama Chandra Kadam, however, accused both the state and Central governments of failing to act. “The Polavaram Project threatens to submerge Odisha, yet the state government remains silent. The Centre, meanwhile, is favoring Andhra Pradesh and providing substantial financial assistance for the project,” he alleged.
Responding to the opposition’s criticisms, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan defended the BJP government, pointing out alleged lapses during the previous regime. “The BJD’s 24-year rule exposed their inaction on critical issues like Polavaram, Bansadhara, and Kotia. This BJP-led government, under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Odisha,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, a high-level BJD delegation, led by senior leader Debi Prasad Mishra, met the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) on Thursday. The delegation expressed serious concerns over the potential impact of the Polavaram Project on Odisha, particularly Malkangiri district, and urged immediate intervention.
The Polavaram Project, a multi-state irrigation and hydroelectric initiative in Andhra Pradesh, has long been a contentious issue due to its potential to submerge vast areas in Odisha, leading to protests from various quarters.
