War of words begins between BJD, BJP and Congress over Polavaram project

The Polavaram project in the neighbouring state has again become the centre point of political discussions in Odisha with BJD forming a Committee to take stock of the areas that will be affected by the project in Malkangiri district. Both the BJP and the Congress have targeted the BJD terming the move as a political gimmick as the party did nothing in the past 24 years when it was in power in the state.

The BJD’s committee is headed by former minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and other members who will visit Motu, Padia and other areas in the Malkangiri district.

BJD leader Pradeep Majhi said, “A committee has been formed and its members will visit Motu, Padia and other affected areas in Malkangiri district. The team will subsequently submit a report to the party president. After granting funds and national project tag to Polavaram, it seems that after coming to power in Odisha and the Centre, the BJP has given a blow to the state.”

Congress MLA Sofia Firdous said the party has raised the Polavaram issue several times in the Odisha Assembly as several villages of the state would be affected by the project. Both the BJD and BJP are responsible for such a situation.

“Instead of visiting the spot, they (BJD) should work to stop the project. It is also their responsibility as to why did they not take steps when they were in power for 24 years? BJD is equally responsible like the present BJP government.”

BJP MLA Babu Singh said, “For 24 years BJD was in power. When the party is now in the opposition, they are raising the issue. It is certainly laughable.”