Odisha and Andhra Pradesh CMs to Meet for Polavaram Project Talks

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced plans to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to address the Polavaram issue. Majhi, who returned from Delhi after attending the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting on July 27, mentioned discussing the matter with Naidu and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the potato crisis in Odisha.

Polavaram Project Concerns

Odisha opposes the Polavaram project due to fears of land inundation in Malkangiri district. The Centre has pledged support for the project's completion in its annual budget. This has sparked protests from Congress and BJD members in the assembly against the BJP-led central government's backing of Andhra Pradesh.

Majhi stated, "I held a discussion with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on the Polavaram issue. During the meeting, I placed Odisha's demands. I also proposed a chief ministerial level meeting to resolve the issue, which he accepted," while speaking to reporters at Bhubaneswar airport.

Assembly Reactions

Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik expressed concerns on July 23, saying, "We have been fighting for justice on the Polavaram issue. Allocating more funds for Polavaram without sorting out genuine grievances of Odisha shows impartiality towards Odisha." Patnaik's BJD government had previously sent several letters to the Centre demanding resolution of issues caused by the project.

Majhi believes that merely writing letters won't resolve these issues. He emphasised direct discussions as a more effective approach. The state government had consistently communicated its concerns to the Centre during Patnaik's tenure.

Potato Crisis Discussions

Majhi also met with Mamata Banerjee to discuss the potato supply crisis affecting Odisha. The meeting included chief secretaries from both states to find a solution to the problem caused by the discontinuation of tuber supply.

The discussions aimed at ensuring a steady supply of potatoes to Odisha, addressing a significant concern for both states. This collaborative approach highlights efforts to resolve inter-state issues through dialogue and cooperation.

The upcoming meeting between Majhi and Naidu is expected to focus on finding a mutually agreeable solution to the Polavaram project concerns. Both leaders aim to address their respective states' interests while maintaining cooperative relations.

Majhi's proactive stance on these issues reflects his commitment to addressing state concerns through direct engagement with relevant stakeholders. This approach seeks to ensure that Odisha's interests are adequately represented and protected.