Bhubaneswar: A censure motion will be moved against the Centre in the winter session of Odisha Assembly. The decision was among five proposals discussed at the all-party meeting of the Mahanadi Bachao Andolan held here today to discuss steps for protection of Mahanadi.
It was decided, as Centre disrespected the Indian Constitution by not taking steps to set up Mahanadi Tribunal, a censure motion will be tabled in the Assembly to protest this.
Proposals to protest in assembly and parliament over Chhattisgarh's unilateral construction of dams and barrages on Mahanadi river, to intensify the judicial and democratic agitation for security of Mahanadi and to stage an all-party dharna in front of Raj Bhavan and in New Delhi was also approved in the meeting.
Besides, it was decided that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will be requested to call an all-party meeting over the issue and lead the agitation to save Mahanadi.
The meeting called by Mahanadi Bachao Andolan was attended by leaders of 11 political parties including BJD, Congress and Left.
But as no leader of BJP turned up for the meeting, both BJD and Congress criticised the party.
“Be it judicial, democratic or legislative means, we are continuing our fight. We have taken legal steps, had raised the issue in assembly and parliament and had also taken to streets,” said BJD MP Pratap Deb.
“How to restrain the river water and devote it for interest of Odisha is a matter of concern. Other than yelling with political intention, it will be right to start working for people of Odisha with a vision for the future,” said senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik.
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On the other hand, BJP made it clear why it decided not to attend the meeting.
“When BJP had started the Mahanadi Bachao Andolan in the year 2011-12 the State government had stated in the Assembly that Odisha will not face water scarcity even if 100 dams are constructed on Mahanadi as it is receiving excess water. The State government should first give an answer on such a statement and after that BJP will take further action,” said BJP State President Basant Panda.
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