Andhra vs Odisha over Polavaram project as BJD ups the ante

The ruling BJD in Odisha staged a demonstration protesting against the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh, while the state unit of the BJP countered it by observing 'Lajja Diwas' highlighting the government's failures.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders including ministers on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum on the Polavaram issue to Governor S.C. Jamir addressed to President Pranab Mukherjee.

"The central government has accorded national status to the project and decided to bear all expenses for the construction even as a case is sub-judice in the Supreme Court. It is against the interest of Odisha," said Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma.

He said several villages of Malkangiri district would be submerged if the project materialized in its present design.

Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, during his one-day visit to Odisha recently, had stated that the central government can provide funds for construction of the project as the apex court has not debarred it from releasing funds.

The state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) observed 'Lajja Diwas' to protest against the government's apathy towards several issues.

The party raised issues like the killing of tribals in Kandhamal district, Nagada malnutrition deaths and Dana Majhi case.

"All these incidents have nailed the government's development claim. It shows the inefficiency of the state government in the past 16 years," BJP general secretary Prthiviraj Harichandan said.

The party also launched a campaign in the capital city to gather the views of the public.

Reacting to the Polavaram issue, Harichandan said the BJD is enacting a street play.

"All the activities of the ruling party like burning effigies, breaking earthen pots are only an eyewash," he added.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday visited the Polavaram project site.

Deccan Chronicle reported that Naidu inspected the ongoing works at Polavaram and said his government would make the project a reality by completing the first phase by 2018.

"We will not let Polavaram remain a dream. We will make it a reality," he was quoted as saying.

Inputs IANS