Mahanadi Water Dispute: BJD Slams Chhattisgarh CM, Vows No Compromise

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has sharply criticised Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for dismissing the Mahanadi water issue as “not a dispute.”

BJD Vice-President Pratap Jena accused Chhattisgarh of aggravating the crisis by constructing upstream barrages that restrict Odisha’s water flow during non-monsoon months.

Jena emphasised that the matter is under adjudication before a tribunal set up under Supreme Court directions, and Odisha’s rightful share of water must be guaranteed.

He demanded that Chhattisgarh’s barrages be declared illegal, warning that any attempt to dilute Odisha’s rights under the guise of “mutual discussions” would be resisted.

The BJD leader also attacked the BJP-led government, claiming the “triple-engine” model has failed to deliver on promises even after 2.5 years.

He linked this neglect to earlier issues such as the Polavaram project and the MMDR Amendment Act, which he said compromised Odisha’s interests.

Reiterating its stance, the BJD warned it would launch mass protests if Odisha’s ecological future and water rights are undermined.