Mahanadi dispute: BJD criticizes talks between Odisha and Chhattisgarh CMs, BJP counterattacks

The recent discussions between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai regarding the Mahanadi water dispute have drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition Deputy Leader Prasanna Acharya. 

Acharya questioned the effectiveness of such talks, stating that unless Chhattisgarh halts its ongoing barrage construction, discussions would be futile.

Long-Standing Dispute and Multiple Failed Dialogues

The Mahanadi water-sharing issue has been a long-standing contentious matter between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Over the years, several tripartite meetings involving the Centre, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh have been held. However, Chhattisgarh’s alleged stubborn attitude has prevented any meaningful resolution.

Acharya emphasized that similar efforts were made during Naveen Patnaik’s tenure as Odisha CM, but the lack of cooperation from Chhattisgarh hindered any real progress. He remarked that while the recent talks between the two CMs were a welcome step, they would remain ineffective unless Chhattisgarh stops its barrage construction on the Mahanadi River.

“Our previous BJD government led by Naveen Patnaik had brought the Mahanadi issue to the notice of Centre for several times and no amicable solution could be reached due to Chhattisgarh. Yesterday, the CMs of both states have discussed on it, but we want to say that something concrete should come out. It will have no meaning if Chhattisgarh continues with its barrage projects,”said Prasanna Acharya.

The recent bilateral meeting between Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Vishnu Deo Sai was held at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. CM Majhi later stated that the discussions were "positive", raising hopes for a potential resolution to the long-pending dispute.

However, Acharya remains sceptical, asserting that Chhattisgarh must first demonstrate its commitment to a solution by halting the ongoing construction of barrages. The Odisha government has repeatedly expressed concerns that these projects would reduce Mahanadi’s water flow into Odisha, severely affecting farmers, drinking water supply, and ecological balance.

BJP’s Response..

Responding to Acharya’s remarks, BJP Spokesperson Tejeswar Parida said, “The problem is longstanding since when the BJD was in power and now step was taken by the previous government. It is clear and the people of Odisha know why the Mahanadi dispute could not be resolved in the past 24 years and what steps were taken to construct barrages by the previous Odisha government. The recent talks between two state CMs is a historic and positive step.”

Next Steps in the Water Dispute Resolution

With the Mahanadi issue continuing to be a major flashpoint, political observers believe that unless concrete action is taken, these discussions will remain inconclusive. The Odisha government is expected to monitor Chhattisgarh’s actions closely and may escalate the matter if the neighbouring state fails to cooperate in resolving the dispute.