No injustice to Odisha on Mahanadi issue: Uma Bharti

New Delhi/ Bhubaneswar: Union Water Resources minister Uma Bharti today assured Odisha that no injustice will be done to it in resolving the dispute with Chhattisgarh over sharing of Mahanadi water. While making it clear that the Centre wants the Mahanadi issue to be resolved through mutual understanding between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, she informed that CMs of both the states will be asked to come to Delhi on a suitable date between September 10 and 20 to discuss the matter and resolve the issue.

“I will be writing to the Odisha CM requesting him to come to Delhi at his convenience between September 10 and 20. We will also ask the Chhattishgarh CM to come on the same date to discuss the matter and find a solution. We are committed to the fact that no injustice will be done towards Odisha on this issue,” said Uma Bharti.

While urging the State government to stop shying away from its responsibility, Union Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan said; “BJP is aware of the interests of the people of Odisha and that is the reason we requested Uma Bharti to intervene and find a solution.”

In response to Uma's assurance, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said; “If the Union Minister has said that Odisha’s interests will be protected, then it is welcome. It remains to be seen whether its actions match its words. Naveen Patnaik has been elected as CM for the fourth time and he definitely knows what needs to be done and is aware of the interests of the people of Odisha.”