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Bhubaneswar: The State BJP on Sunday questioned the ruling BJD on its motive behind agitating on streets at a time when it should be resolving the Mahanadi water dispute by fighting out in the Tribunal.
Speaking at a presser here today, Senior BJP leader Biswabhusan Harichandan offered to support the ruling BJD if the latter presents a detailed argument before the Tribunal
“As there is BJP government in Chhattisgarh and the Centre, it has always been alleged that the Odisha BJP is not concerned about the issue. But stance of Odisha BJP is very clear. The party has always said that it would fight for the State and Mahanadi,” he said.
Questioning BJD's agitation over the Mahanadi issue while the matter is sub judice in the Tribunal, Harichandan alleged, "It is the BJD's attempt to garner votes by confusing people that they alone are fighting for the Mahanadi."
In reply to why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not ordered the Chhattisgarh government to stop using Mahanadi water, Harichandan replied that in a federal government the Prime Minister cannot interfere on the issue even if he wants to. It is only the Supreme Court that has the power to order an interim stay, he said.
Rubbishing the explanations, BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said, “The case regarding Mahanadi was filed in the Supreme Court in November 2017. Although notification regarding formation of the tribunal was issued in the beginning of this year, why is the Central government dilly-dallying on the issue.”
Patra alleged that the Tribunal has failed to take any important decision over the issue till date. "It is clear that they are delaying it in view of the upcoming Chhattisgarh elections. The tribunal will start functioning only after the elections are over," Patra said.
“The BJP should clarify about when and how thay plan to end the harassment meted out to people of Odisha,” said Patra.
