TNI Bureau: BJD MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has strongly criticised the reported shift of the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel project from Odisha to Andhra Pradesh, calling it a “sad and shameful development” for the state.

Patra recalled that during the tenure of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, an MoU was signed with Nippon Steel following high-level engagements in Japan, paving the way for a major steel plant in Odisha. However, the project now appears to be relocating to Andhra Pradesh, raising serious concerns.

He further flagged the issue of Odisha’s mineral resources being transported out of the state through slurry pipelines to feed industries elsewhere. “If industries move out and our minerals and coal are exported, nothing will be left for Odisha,” Patra warned.

Taking a direct swipe, he said industrialists like Lakshmi Mittal should invest in value addition within Odisha rather than utilising its resources in other states.

The development has triggered fresh debate over industrial policy, resource utilisation, and regional economic priorities.