Bhubaneswar: Intensifying its opposition to the Polavaram project, the Biju Janta Dal (BJD) will stage a protest in front of the Raj Bhavan here and observe a hartal in undivided Koraput district tomorrow.
The ruling party has requested different organisations to lend their support to the strike call and shut shop. The strike will be observed in the undivided Koraput district from 7 am to 5 pm.
Koraput MLA Jhina Hikaka said, “We discussed how the BJD’s protest will be organised against the Polavaram project tomorrow. This is an attack on the interests of tribals.”
Attacking the BJD for its strike call, BJP leader Basant Panda dubbed the ruling party's move as 'drama'.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik today said his government will gall out to protect the interests of tribals affected by the mega multipurpose project.
“Odisha will fight for its rights in Polavaram to the finish. BJD rallies at Bhubaneswar & undivided Koraput districts on January 7,” tweeted Naveen.
A total of 6, 818 persons, from the State, 5, 916 of them tribals, will be displaced due to the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh. Besides, 7,656 hectares of forest land and 26 villages will be submerged, the Odisha government has said.