BJD to intensify stir over Polavaram, to hold rallies

The ruling BJD, which had a brainstorming session at Naveen Niwas on Saturday to discuss abo-ut the contentious Polav-aram project, came up with a series of action plan on Sunday.

Speaking to mediapersons here, BJD spokesp-erson Surya Narayan Patro said despite being aware of the fact that the matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court, the Centre, in gross violation of the rules, had given approval to the formation of Polavaram Proj-ect Authority. “The decision of the Centre to give environment clearance to Polav-aram project is grossly unfortunate. The BJD has decided to lau-nch a series of agitation against the manner in which the BJP-led NDA government is trying to displace the poor tribals of some areas in Malkan-giri and Rayagada districts,” he added.

Orissa food supplies and consumer welfare minister Sanjay Dasburma said the BJD would stage dharna and protest meeting in front of Raj Bhavan here on September 14 against the unilateral decision of the Centre and submit a memorandum to the President of India through the governor.

“Besides, the BJD will also stage dharna and protest meeting in front of the collectorate in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts on September 20 and submit a memorandum to the President through the governor. If the Centre does not respond positively to our demand by September 20, we will stage peaceful hartal in these seven south Orissa districts on October 1,” he pointed out.

The BJD has also decided to intensify its agitation in the coming days if the Centre does not take any concrete steps to safeguard the interest of Orissa,” he pointed out.