Congress criticises Odisha government over flood management and Kotia border dispute
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das alleged the state administration has failed to address farmer losses and border issues.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das criticised the state government's handling of recent floods and the Kotia border dispute during a press conference at Congress Bhavan on Wednesday, according to Pragativadi.
Das targeted the performance of the Water Resources and Home Departments, both held by the Chief Minister. He alleged the Water Resources Department failed to release dam water in time despite early warnings, causing devastation in the Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts.
The PCC chief demanded administrative action against the responsible engineers and officials. He also claimed the government provided negligible compensation to farmers, noting that while a farmer should receive at least ₹62,000 based on the Minimum Support Price for a 20-quintal per acre paddy yield, the government is only providing ₹8,500.
Regarding the Kotia border dispute with Andhra Pradesh, Das accused the BJD of incompetence for 24 years and the BJP of inaction for two and a half years. He claimed the government only acted after Congress initiated protests against Andhra Pradesh.
Das also alleged the state government is protecting capitalist interests by handing over mineral resources to large industrialists at low prices. He warned that the Congress would launch state-wide agitations if the government continues to ignore displaced populations while enriching corporations.