Mahanadi Row gets Murkier amid Conflicting Reports

After MoS Sanjeev Balyan’s statement in Lok Sabha that Chhattisgarh Government had contacted the Odisha Government twice in 2006 and 2015 to intimate about the construction of barrages on Mahanadi river, but the latter failed to respond, the BJP has gone on an offensive to nail CM Naveen Patnaik.

However, the BJD is not willing to let this issue go because of the upcoming panchayat polls in the state in early 2017. CM Naveen Patnaik has hit back saying Balyan has misled the House and giving misinformation. He also vowed to continue their fight on this issue.

The BJP is finding it tough to present its case before the public, mostly after the daring and outrageous statement by Dr. Raman Singh, who drew flak from all quarters, including senior BJP leader Suresh Pujari. Congress has joined the battleground, but not getting any traction. As of now, the BJD holds an edge, but amidst confusion.