BJD’s protest against Polavaram project in Malkangiri triggers political slugfest in Odisha

Though Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was silent over the Polavaram project of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh during its tenure as the ruling party, the party staged a massive protest over the issue at Motu area in Malkangiri district on Friday after it was relegated to the Opposition ranks.

Organised by the Joint Action Committee, the demonstration reportedly witnessed participation from organisations and political leaders from four states - Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.

As per reports, women living along the Odisha-Andhra border carried out a ceremonial ritual by offering water carried in pots from the sangam of Sabari and Sileru rivers and worshipped a statue. This act preceded a procession that concluded with the collected water being poured into a makeshift tank at the Motu Tehsil Ground.

“BJD will continue to protest against Polavaram project from the villages in Odisha to the national capital,” said BJD leader Devi Prasad Mishra.

Political allegations

Meanwhile, Congress has censured both the BJD and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Polavaram Project. The party alleged that the initial groundwork in Chhattisgarh commenced during the BJD’s tenure, despite Congress’ steadfast opposition to the project at the time. 

The Congress is calling for a resolution favourable to Odisha, referencing what they describe as a ‘triple engine’ government—a term highlighting collaboration between federal and state government initiatives.

“The triple engine government should solve the Polavaram issue. Any kind of solution is yet to come in this regard. Both BJD and BJP are responsible for it,” said Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati.

Must Read: Polavaram project row: Opposition BJD to stage protest on Feb 28, BJP terms it 'drama'

In response, BJP has characterised the Polavaram Project as a national project, slamming the past administrations for merely opposing the project without a focus on Odisha’s interests.

“There was a government before the current one. Then why are they telling about double engine and triple engine now? What is the outcome of the last government? Opposing only for the sake of opposing is not right,” said BJP leader Sidhant Mohapatra.