The BJP’s decision to field Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh as topmost star campaigner to woo voters in favour of party candidates during the panchayat elections has been strongly opposed by the BJD, the Congress and the Samajwadi Party in view of the ‘enmity’ between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the Mahanadi water dispute.
The three parties have decided to launch protests separately in the areas where Raman would address public rallies.
While the Congress said it would stage demonstrations in Singh’s public meeting places to dissuade the voters, the SP would launch a public awareness campaign against Raman’s stand on the Mahanadi issue.
Since Singh is still reluctant to stop construction of barrages upstream Mahanadi to resolve water sharing issue with Odisha, the BJD said, it would not allow him to address people.
“Raman Singh is an enemy of Odisha people. We will not allow him to land here. He has dared to stop Mahanadi water, causing harm to crores of people of Odisha,” said Congress leader Suresh Routray.
Similarly, SP State president Rabi Behera said, “We will distribute poll pamphlets and make people aware of Raman Singh’s approach towards Odisha on Mahanadi issue. Wherever Singh goes, we will stage protest.”
likewise, BJD spokesperson Sashibhushan Behera said Raman Singh’s visit would be protested by people of the State.
Meanwhile, the BJP said the ‘warnings’ of political parties would not bear any impact on its campaign.
“He (Singh) will come and address the people of Odisha. We are not bothered about what other parties say,” said BJP leader Prithviraj Harichandan.