Odisha floods trigger political row over relief efforts

Bhubaneswar, July 30 (IANS) The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress on Thursday criticised the state government, alleging that while people are reeling under severe floods, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, are in New Delhi instead of overseeing relief and rescue operations.

Taking to his X handle, Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJD president Naveen Patnaik said floods have wreaked havoc in Odisha, yet BJP leaders from the state are “feasting in Delhi.” He stated that despite incessant rainfall triggering flood-like conditions across the state, the leadership remains absent.

Patnaik noted that people in districts including Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Dhenkanal, and Sambalpur are facing immense hardships. Reports of multiple deaths have deeply pained the people of Odisha, he said, adding that allegations of government negligence are emerging.

The BJD supremo recalled that Odisha has always followed the principle that “Every Life is Precious,” earning global recognition for disaster management. “However, it is surprising that elected representatives, instead of tackling the flood situation, have abandoned the people. In such a critical situation, the government should not remain insensitive,” he said.

Countering the allegations, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said CM Majhi was in New Delhi to attend the crucial Mahanadi water dispute meeting, a matter the BJD failed to resolve during its tenure.

He added that he is in touch with MLAs in the 20 flood-hit districts, including those from the Opposition, and is monitoring the situation closely.

Senior Congress leader and former Water Resources Minister Niranjan Patnaik also criticised the government, saying a preparatory meeting should have been held two months before the monsoon. He alleged that the administration is providing varying data on rainfall and floods, showing it lacks actual figures.

The Congress further alleged that more people have died than the official data suggests and claimed relief has not reached several flood-affected areas.

–IANS

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