Bhubaneswar, April 3 – The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) severely criticised the Odisha government on Friday over the proposed merger of Palasa and Ichchapuram with the proposed Vishakhapatnam division of the South Coast Railway zone.
The party alleged that instead of Odisha benefiting more under the BJP government, which came to power with the slogan of "Double Engine, Double Development," the state is being deprived of its rightful share.
BJD leaders further asserted that during the celebration of Odisha Day (Utkal Divas), the areas of Palasa and Ichchapuram were removed from the East Coast Railway zone in Odisha and merged with the South Coast Railway zone in Andhra Pradesh.
At a press conference held at Sankha Bhawan (party headquarters) on Friday, party Vice President Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Party Spokesperson and Media Coordinator Dr. Lenin Mohanty accused the "Double Engine" government of giving "Double Betrayal" to the state.
Speaking at the press conference, Nayak stated that the East Coast Railway is one of the highest revenue-generating railway divisions in the country.
"Continuous efforts are being made to weaken it in order to please Andhra Pradesh. About a year ago, some parts of the Koraput and Rayagada districts were merged into the South Coast Railway. Now, during Odisha Day, Palasa and Ichchapuram have also been included in the South Coast Railway," alleged Nayak.
He further said that despite coming to power with promises of "Double Development," BJP leaders lack the courage to raise their voice against this injustice to the state.
"While the East Coast Railway is being steadily reduced, Odisha's 20 BJP Lok Sabha MPs and the state leadership remain silent, which is extremely unfortunate. People of the state want to know the role of these MPs," said Nayak.
He also termed it unfortunate that even though an MP from Odisha holds the position of Railway Minister, the state's interests are being compromised in favour of Andhra Pradesh.
The BJD spokesperson Mohanty stated that at least six districts in the state still lack railway connectivity. Despite promising "Double Development," instead of giving more to Odisha, the government is taking away its claim. Mohanty demanded that this decision be completely rolled back.
He also urged that railway areas in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts be shifted from South Eastern Railway to East Coast Railway to further strengthen it.