Mahanadi row was politically fabricated, previous BJD-govt spent Rs 33 cr on lawyers: Odisha Advocate General

Odisha Advocate General (AG) Pitambar Acharya stirred debate on Thursday by stating that the long-standing Mahanadi river water dispute was a “fabricated controversy”. Addressing the media on the issue, Acharya alleged that the dispute was artificially created, not for justice but for political optics alone.

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The AG further claimed that there had been previous attempts to engage high-cost lawyers without a concrete resolution plan.

However, with BJP forming a government in the State, Acharya noted that serious efforts have now begun to bring the matter to a just conclusion.

AG Acharya has expressed optimism that the Central government’s mediation could lead to a long-awaited resolution of the inter-state water dispute, which has remained a flashpoint between Odisha and Chhattisgarh for years.

Acharya’s remarks signal a possible shift in the strategy and political narrative, with the State now appearing more open to negotiation rather than confrontation.

“The (BJD-led) government fought the case for nearly seven years. No water dispute case has ever been settled in India through tribunals, so far. Such cases are called ‘okila poshia’ matters (legal battles), which are fought to patronise lawyers,” the AG said.

“Renowned lawyers were hired by the previous government, and around Rs 33 crore was spent from the state exchequer. We have disengaged the high-paid lawyers and are now fighting the case on our own. We hope the matter will be resolved in a constructive atmosphere with due mediation of the Central government,” the AG expressed.

“An artificial legal battle was created ahead of the elections. It was not a natural delegation. If we come out successful in the case, it will be the ‘first-of-its-kind’ in the history of the country,” the AG added while briefing mediapersons.