Bijoy Mohapatra jumps into Mahanadi Battle

ONI Bureau: The Mahanadi battle had one surprising entry today. The man, who was part of the Mahanadi River Protection Movement way back in 2008, has yet again joined the movement, this time against his own party (BJP) and the Centre led by PM Narendra Modi.

At a press meet today, Bijoy Mohapatra waged a war against the Centre over its recent affidavit in the Supreme Court that it did not intent to constitute a tribunal to settle the Mahanadi River Water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Mr. Bijoy Mohapatra, apparently toeing the BJD line, accused the Centre of neglecting the state and said the NDA Govt is working against the interests of Odisha. He also alleged that the Union Water Resources Ministry is acting to serve the interest of Chhattisgarh Government.

Bijoy Mohapatra wondered why the Centre did not take to form the tribunal even thought Odisha Government initiated legal action after the failed talks with Chhattisgarh government on this dispute.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Prithviraj Harichandan rubbished all allegations and accused Bijoy Mohapatra of trying regain political relevance by fishing in the troubled Mahanadi waters. “Never in the history of the country, a river water tribunal was formed in just one year. Even it took 18 years to form the Kauvery River Tribunal,” he added.