Mahanadi Water Dispute: Bijoy Mohapatra slams Centre over SC affidavit

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KalingaTV News Network

Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra again induced a political war of words in the state by slamming Centre over its recent affidavit against constituting a tribunal to settle the Mahanadi River water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Addressing at a press conference here Mohapatra dubbed Central Government’s decision to not form a tribunal is completely unilateral in nature and demonstrates its apathy towards interests of Odisha. Taking a pot shot at the Union Water Resources Ministry he claimed that it is acting in the interest of the Chhattisgarh Government.

“Central Government’s affidavit in the Supreme Court is a direct attack on Odisha’s interest. It only suggests that Centre is working hands in glove with Chhattisgarh Government in the Mahanadi issue,” alleged Mohapatra.

Mohapatra also accused the Centre for not taking any step to constitute the tribunal in last one year after the Odisha Government initiated legal steps for it on November 19, 2017 following failed talks with Chhattisgarh. He said the decision taken in a hurry shows Centres apathy towards Odisha.

However, BJP leader Prithviraj Harichandan rubbished the allegations of Mohapatra later in the day at a press conference. He said Mohapatra had joined the bunch of politicians who are trying to restore their political relevance by fishing in the troubled water of Mahanandi. He claimed no tribunals had been formed within a short span of one year in the country in the past and Centre rather wants a mutual agreement between Odisha and Chhattisgarh in the issue.

“Mohapatra was a former Irrigation Minister and he should be aware of the fact that among all 9 tribunals constituted in the country in the past to solve inter-state river water disputes none had been formed in one year. Kauvery tribunal took even 18 years to take shape”, said Harichandan.

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