Polavaram controversy leads to chaotic scenes in Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar, Dec 6: The Odisha Assembly experienced a series of adjournments on Friday as Congress and BJD MLAs protested against the contentious Polavaram Dam project in Andhra Pradesh.

As the Assembly convened for Question Hour, Congress members immediately occupied the well of the House, opposing Speaker Surama Padhy’s decision to dismiss their request for a discussion on the Polavaram issue, citing its sub-judice status. Opposition whip Pramila Mallik urged the Speaker to restore order, but Congress members refused to vacate their positions, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the session until 11:30 AM.

When the Assembly reconvened, BJD members joined the protest, accusing the BJP of neglecting the interests of Odisha. The ongoing disruption led the Speaker to adjourn the House again, this time until 4 PM.

Outside the Assembly, Opposition Leader and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasized the BJD's commitment to fighting for the people of Odisha. The party had previously submitted a memorandum to the Central Water Commission, requesting a review of the Polavaram project's design to mitigate adverse effects on Odisha and ensure proper consultation regarding resettlement plans for vulnerable populations.

Congress Legislative Party leader Ramchandra Kadam criticized the BJP government for overlooking Odisha’s concerns, arguing that the project poses a threat to the state and alleging that the central government is unfairly favoring Andhra Pradesh with significant financial support for the dam's completion.