Seeking justice for Odisha in Polavaram and Mahanadi water dispute issues, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said the central government should not forget its role to play in the development of states under the federal structure.
Patnaik said this while addressing a public meeting held on occasion of the ruling BJD's Padayatra programme here. "We believe in the federal spirit. But, it should not be considered as our weakness," Patnaik said.
Stating that the Centre has a major role to play for the development of the states, particularly for the under- developed states, Patnaik expressed displeasure over the role of the central government on Polavaram dam project in Andhra Pradesh and Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattishgarh.
Though the Odisha government has been opposing both the projects, the Centre instead of resolving the matter, sided with the "erring" governments of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattishgarh, said Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra.
While coming down heavily on the central government over Polavaram and Mahanadi water dispute, Patnaik highlighted the steps taken by the state government in both the matters and demanded that the people of Odisha wanted justice in both the cases.
Opposition BJP, however, rejected Patnaik's allegation of central negligence. Odisha BJP spokesperson, Sajjan Sharma said "The CM in order to hide his own incompetence is making these false statements. Naveen Patnaik himself is the biggest roadblock in Odisha's development.
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