Malkangiri (Odisha), Feb 28: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP at the Centre, accusing it of prioritizing political gains over the welfare of tribal communities.
Addressing a virtual protest rally against the Polavaram project, being constructed in neighboring Andhra Pradesh, Patnaik alleged that the BJP-led central government was funding the project to serve its political interests. He claimed that the Centre’s support for the project was directly linked to its alliance with the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh.
"It is evident that for the BJP, political interests outweigh the interests of tribals," Patnaik stated, emphasizing that the Polavaram project would have severe repercussions for tribal populations across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
The protest rally, held in Motu, Malkangiri district, saw participation from 14 tribal associations across the four states. The Joint Action Committee on Polavaram organized the event, with support from parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Dalit organizations.
Criticism of Centre’s Financial Support
Patnaik strongly opposed the Centre’s allocation of nearly ₹15,000 crore for the early completion of the Polavaram project, calling it an instance of "funds being distributed to states based on political considerations." He argued that such financial decisions undermined the federal structure and ignored the genuine concerns of affected communities.He further warned that the project’s water storage capacity of 50 lakh cusecs would result in severe backwater effects, submerging several villages in Odisha’s Padia and Motu blocks.
Hope for Tribal Protection
Despite his sharp criticism of the Centre, Patnaik expressed hope that Odisha’s tribal leader, Jual Oram, who currently serves as the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, would take necessary steps to safeguard the interests of tribals in Odisha and neighboring states.He reiterated his party’s commitment to fighting for tribal rights and vowed continued support for the anti-Polavaram agitation.
