Patnaik adopting double standards on Mahanadi water : Cong

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Accusing Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of adopting "double standards" on Mahanadi water, Congress today said despite being informed by Chhattisgarh about its construction plans on the river long ago, he had kept quiet jeopardising state's interests.
"The Chief Minister, who is also in-charge of water resources, is fully responsible for constructions on upstream of Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh. Patnaik has no moral right to continue in office," Odisha PCC President Prasad Harichandan said.
Accusing the chief minister of adopting "double standards and evasive approach" to the Mahanadi water issue, he said though the BJD government was informed about plans for construction of barrages and dams on the river in Chhatisgarh, it kept silent surrendering and jeopardising the interest of the people of Odisha.

"After keeping silent for so many years and encouraging Chhattisgarh to go ahead with constructions on the river, it is now raising the issue with the next year's panchayat elections in mind," he said.
Harichandan said the then secretary to the water resources department Suresh Mohapatra had in 2008 said that the government was aware of the position and that Odisha would not face any problem even if Chhattisgarh constructs 100 barrages on Mahanadi.
Mohapatra, he said, had also reportedly stated that there was absolutely no problem with regard to Mahanadi river water as the chief minister was regularly monitoring the situation.

Stating that the state government had earlier mentioned about barrages being built in Chhattisgarh, he said the ruling BJD has suddenly woken up and is shouting over the issue when some barrages and dams are nearing its completion simply to mislead the people.
"Chhattisgarh have been inviting Odisha for talks on Mahanadi water issue but the BJD government has failed to respond," the Congress leader claimed, adding "agitation at this stage is of no meaning".
Congress would, however, not compromise with the interest of the state and fight for its rights and people, he said.