Bhubaneswar: The ruling BJD is all set to organise a 'padyatra' in a bid to draw public attention over Mahanadi issue and checkmate the Opposition.
As part of the padyatra, the rally will be taken out during the day while at night, the party leaders will halt at different villages and hold meetings to sensitise locals about the topic.
The rally is planned for different constituencies on the bank of the Mahanadi river from Bargarh to Jagatsinghpur, sources said.
On the other hand, PCC working president Naba Das has announced the party's plan to stage agitation in the Western Odisha on Mahanadi river water issue.
"We will expose the conspirators who are trying to make Mahanadi dry. We will reach out people," Prasanna Acharya, BJD MP stated.
Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra lambasted the ruling party by saying that only timely step can yield the desired result.
"Without a joint effort, the effect will not be of much help. People also know that the ruling party is politicising the matter unnecessarily," Mishra pointed out,
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated the ruling party is trying hard to hide its incapability and people will not accept the politicking.
Pradhan said, "When 50% of Mahanadi water gets wasted into the sea, who should be making efforts to utilise the water? This rally is only a political gimmick to serve narrow interest only."