Bhubaneswar, Dec 13: With the first meeting of the all-party committee on the Mahanadi water dispute scheduled for December 22, political “war of words” have intensified in Odisha. Senior BJP MLA Jaynarayan Mishra accused the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of adopting a “double-faced approach” on the issue, alleging that the party’s rhetoric has not matched its actions.

BJD questions, BJP counters

Deputy Leader of the BJD Legislature Party, Prasanna Acharya raised five pointed questions to the State government, including whether it would withdraw from the tribunal, halt Chhattisgarh’s construction of barrages, and engage with protestors demanding protection of the river. Will the state government move the Tribunal to expedite the long-pending case? he asked.

BJP MLA Mishra responded by accusing the BJD of misleading the public, claiming the party ignored upstream constructions since 2008 and only launched the “Save Mahanadi” campaign in 2017 ahead of panchayat elections.

Past promises questioned

Mishra alleged that despite announcing seven barrages in 2018, the previous BJD government failed to construct even one in six years. He also criticised the party for walking out of central meetings and relying solely on tribunal proceedings without pursuing compromise talks.

Committee formed to seek solutions

The all-party committee, constituted under Chief Minister’s directive, is chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. Its members include Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Industries Minister Samapad Swain, Chief Whip Saroj Pradhan, senior BJD MLA Niranjan Pujari, BJP MLA Jaynarayan Mishra, and Congress MLA Sofia Firdous.

 
Also Read: Odisha Forms High‑Level Committee On Mahanadi Water Dispute

Towards resolution

According to a press release from the Chief Minister’s Office, the committee will examine all aspects of Mahanadi water management and provide policy guidance. A Chief Minister-level meeting is expected in Delhi later this month to further deliberate on the issue.