No one can stop us- Chhattisgarh CM's comments on Mahanadi sparks row

Bhubaneswar: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh's comment that no one can stop his state from using Mahanadi water has sparked a new controversy. Singh said that no one can stop them from taking water from the river and the issue being raised by Odisha is politically motivated.

In response, BJD MP Prasanna Acharya Tuesday said such a remark by Singh on Mahanadi is political ‘hooliganism.’ Mahanadi River is not somebody's paternal property so no one can stake claim on it. Singh may have given such statements to please people of Chhattisgarh in view of the coming elections, he added.

"Mahanadi is not the paternal property of any individual and no one can do ‘dadagiri’ over water. As elections in Chhattisgarh are approaching, it is likely that he has given such statement to please the voters," said Acharya.

On the other hand, Odisha BJP vice-president, Sameer Mohanty said, "What is the need of discussing the issue which is currently sub judice. If there is a delay in functioning of the tribunal, the State government should immediately move the Supreme Court with all related documents.”