TNI Bureau: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das has launched a sharp, multi-pronged attack on the BJP-led “double engine” government, accusing it of continuously undermining Odisha’s interests across key sectors including water resources, infrastructure, environment, and public health.

On the Vamsadhara river dispute, Das termed the recent tribunal verdict as “deeply unjust” to Odisha. Despite nearly three-fourths of the river’s catchment area lying in Odisha, the decision to share water equally (50:50) with Andhra Pradesh has raised serious concerns. He alleged that the ruling favours Andhra Pradesh and questioned the rationale behind such allocation, warning of adverse impacts on farmers in Rayagada and adjoining districts. He also demanded immediate intervention by the Centre to revoke the gazette notification issued on March 30, 2026.

Extending his criticism to infrastructure decisions, Das opposed the Centre’s forest clearance for the proposed Puri International Airport. He warned that the project could trigger ecological imbalance, destroy coastal forest cover, and threaten biodiversity near sensitive zones like Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary and Chilika Lake. Raising concerns over the proximity to the Jagannath Temple, he questioned how aviation operations would align with existing no-fly restrictions and preserve the spiritual sanctity of Puri. He also asked why the state government was prioritizing the airport over essential projects like the Bhubaneswar Metro.

In a separate but related development, a united opposition in Odisha strongly condemned the transfer of the Palasa–Ichchapuram railway section from East Coast Railway (ECoR) to South Coast Railway (SCoR). Leaders across parties termed the move as anti-Odisha, warning it would weaken one of the highest revenue-generating railway zones in the country and impact employment and regional development. The opposition has announced plans for a mass protest in Bhubaneswar.

Bhakta Charan Das also expressed outrage over the tragic ICU fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital, which claimed 13 lives. Calling it a case of “systemic negligence,” he criticized the state government’s response and demanded accountability. He questioned the continuation of the Health Minister, stating that those unfit even to be legislators were holding crucial ministerial positions. He further accused the government of being insensitive and failing in its basic duty to protect lives.

Das concluded by urging people to raise their voice against what he described as a pattern of injustice and administrative failure, calling for a larger public movement to safeguard Odisha’s rights and dignity.