Bhubaneswar: After Centre’s volte-face on formation of a tribunal to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute, Chhattisgarh government’s decision for linking of Mahanadi with Piari river has sparked off unrest among leaders of the ruling BJD and Congress.
While Congress attacked both state and Centre over the issue, BJD and BJP blamed each other over the controversy.
Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra Saturday said the state would be able to protect the interests of its people in the Mahanadi water sharing dispute with Chhattissgarh if it shows sincerity in pursuing the matter.
“Orissa’s stand is strong. If the case is presented before the Supreme Court properly by an experienced lawyer, the judgement could come in favour of Orissa,” said Mishra.
The Centre is bound to form a tribunal to resolve the Mahanadi water row, as per the legal provisions, he said.
“The Centre has admitted in the Parliament that they are bound to constitute a tribunal. They have no way out. There is a maxim in law: ‘Admission is the best evidence.’ Hence, that proof is now with the state government. How could Orissa lose the case?” he argued.
Reacting to Mishra’s statement, government chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy said that the Centre has betrayed the people of Orissa.
“State government has moved the Supreme Court. The Centre on record has earlier told the Parliament that tribunal should be constituted. Later on also Centre’s lawyer has deposed in Supreme Court that they are going to form the tribunal,” Satpathy said.
“We have filed its counter Friday. We’ve made it clear about the required data and information. The assurance given in the Parliament will be drawn to the Supreme Court’s notice during the next hearing,” the BJD leader added.
On the contrary, BJP MLA Pradeep Purohit said the state government has failed to furnish required data and information to make the case stronger.
“I’m in doubt about the state government’s stand on the case because of the glaring instances of Polavaram and Bansadhara cases. I also cast doubt on the fresh affidavits filed by the state government because it does not have the required data and information to make our case strong enough,” the BJP leader said.
The state government Friday filed a counter affidavit in the apex court accusing the Centre of providing misleading information pertaining to the ongoing Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh.
In its 60-page affidavit, the state has maintained that the Centre had earlier committed that a decision to set up a tribunal would be taken before November 19 but failed to do so thereby violating the provisions of inter-State water disputes act. The next hearing is slated for December 11.
PNN