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

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is set to stage a protest in Malkangiri district on 28 October against the controversial Polavaram project. The agitation is expected to see the participation of Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik, who has traditionally taken a more reserved position on this issue, sources said on Tuesday.

Also Read: BJD launches protest over Polavaram project in New Delhi

Patnaik’s potential presence as an Opposition figure indicates a more assertive strategy this time around. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismisses the protests as theatrics, the Congress has equally voiced doubts.

BJD's plans opposing the under-construction project

The demonstration is slated to take place in Motu town of the district, a location perceived to be under threat from submersion due to the project. Although organised by the joint action committee (Milita Kriyanusthan Committee), the BJD leads the charge, aiming to galvanise party activists for substantial mobilisation.

Recently, two tribal leaders from BJD have vocalised stern opposition to the project, calling upon all political parties as well as social organisations to unite against Andhra Pradesh’s contentious scheme. These developments unfold following the Central government’s previously accorded substantial financial aid package of Rs 15,000 Crore to Andhra Pradesh to expedite the project.

“Biju Janata Dal has clarified the adverse effects of the Polavaram project on Odisha both in the Parliament and state Legislative Assembly. The party is involved in the movement against the project since long ago. The party supremo will decide on its participation in a day or two,” BJD’s Bhrugu Baxipatra said in a presser.

BJP reacts to BJD's allegedly political gimmick

The BJP refutes allegations of potential damage to Odisha, explaining the project will not lead to the submersion of areas like Kalimela and Mathili in Malkangiri, as claimed by the BJD. They argue that during the Congress era, when the project was first conceived, the BJD-led government in the State did not mount an opposition.

Thus, the BJP critiques the current agitation as driven by political motivations. Congress has also remarked on Naveen Patnaik's lack of prior visits to Polavaram-impacted regions but indicated that a visit from him now would still be beneficial.

“When Naveen Babu was the Chief Minister and the Polavaram project was started, Naveen Babu ‘Pati Kholi Nathile’ (meaning in Odia, ‘had not uttered a single word’). If he will join the protest and fight to protect the State’s interest, we will surely support him,” senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati expressed.

Must Read: BJD criticizes Odisha govt and Centre over Polavaram Project

“BJD ‘Ausadha Bikalare Tatia Kamuduchi’ (meaning in Odia, ‘biting a bowl with desperation for medicine’). The party is trying to excite people by telling them lies,” BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy stated.

The political landscape in Odisha could potentially shift depending on Naveen Patnaik's actions regarding Polavaram in the coming days.