BJD accuses Odisha CM of compromising State’s interests in Mahanadi water dispute
The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday (August 1, 2026) accused Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of compromising Odisha’s interests for political considerations in
The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday (August 1, 2026) accused Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of compromising Odisha’s interests for political considerations in the handling of the Mahanadi river water dispute between the State and Chhattisgarh. The BJD’s criticism came a day after Mr. Majhi returned to Bhubaneswar following a three-day visit to Delhi. Briefing the media on his discussions regarding the dispute with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Mr. Majhi reiterated that the dispute would be resolved within three months. Interests and rights of the people of Odisha, the welfare of farmers, and environmental protection were given priority during the discussion, he said. Stating that a technical committee chaired by the Central Water Commission chairperson would submit its report to the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal within the next three months, Mr. Majhi expressed hope that this would lead to a resolution of the issue.
“Safeguard Odisha’s interest” However, the BJD said, “The State government must raise its voice to safeguard Odisha’s larger interests. It should immediately make public the details of the discussions held on resolving the Mahanadi water dispute.” “The Odisha Chief Minister should rise above party interests and dedicate himself to the interests of Odisha. He should not compromise or sell out Odisha to please Chhattisgarh. Due to the arbitrary actions of the Chhattisgarh government, Odisha is being neglected,” said Debi Prasad Mishra, senior vice-president of the BJD, while addressing a press conference here on Saturday. “Despite a ‘triple-engine government’, people of Odisha are being neglected due to a lack of coordination. The BJP government is misleading the public by deliberately not disclosing details of the discussions held during the recent meeting in Delhi regarding the Mahanadi water dispute, while offering false assurances to the people,” charged Mr. Mishra.
“The Chhattisgarh government is not paying any heed to Odisha’s concerns. Despite repeated requests, Chhattisgarh has not agreed to install a new gauge near the Saradihi barrage, and the existing gauge is not functioning properly, leading to water management issues,” said Nayagarh BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahu. “Due to arbitrary actions of Chhattisgarh, rule-curve norms for the safety of the Hirakud reservoir are not being followed. Backflow water from Chhattisgarh is posing a threat to Hirakud and worsening flood conditions in Odisha,” the party said. Stating that the Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha, with 16 districts depending on it, Mr. Sahu alleged, “The BJP, which came to power invoking Odia identity, has failed to protect this symbol of that identity. Despite the BJP governments at the Centre, in Odisha, and in Chhattisgarh, the dispute remains unresolved.
The BriefWire