Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today termed Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh's comments on Mahanadi condemnable and also stated that the neighbouring state is at fault in the whole dispute.
During a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Pradhan held Chhattisgarh responsible for the problem; however, he also questioned Odisha government and asked "what has been done in the last 18 years."
He said that no arrangements have been made by Odisha to even store a bucket of water.
"I admit Chhattisgarh is wrong, if it is wrong then tribunal will take a call; but why no efforts have been made to store Mahanadi water in lower catchment areas in Odisha," Pradhan said.
Odisha's interest will not be compromised in the Mahanadi issue, Pradhan added further.
Responding to Pradhan's comments, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said, "BJP has finally accepted; the party's stance on Mahanadi dispute is not clear. Even if the minister feels that Mahanadi water was not saved by the Odisha government, does it mean Chhattisgarh government is entitled to steal water?"
On the other hand, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Chairman, Chiranjib Biswal said, "There is no clarity in the comments of Dharmendra Pradhan, Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh and PM Modi on Mahanadi issue. A policy should be framed at the earliest to solve the issue."